The NDC flagbearer and former President, John Dramani Mahama has cautioned the Electoral Commission to step up its performance and fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
John Mahama warned that the Electoral Commission’s failure to address discrepancies in the voter register could lead to confusion, and controversies, and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
He emphasized that the Electoral Commission (EC) is a critical institution, essential for ensuring peaceful elections in the country, and therefore, it’s imperative that it enhances its performance and rises to the challenge.
“So if the EC Commissioners are listening to me, you better wake up. You [EC] are not doing your job properly. A lot of people cannot find their names. Other people’s names have been transferred without their knowledge”.
“People have registered for proxy [voting] without using their biometric cards. People who have done multiple registrations have their names still on the [provisional] register”.
John Dramani Mahama
He further highlighted that legitimate voters who are mistakenly placed on the Exception List or Multiple List could potentially disenfranchise them.
The former President cautioned that unresolved discrepancies in the voter register will create barriers to voting, preventing electorates from fully participating in the democratic process and exercising their fundamental right.
He assured that the NDC is committed to peaceful politics and will not permit any electoral tensions or conflicts to arise due to the Electoral Commission’s potential failure to discharge its duties effectively.
John Mahama cautioned that the NDC will not remain passive or accept any attempts to manipulate or rig the upcoming December election, and will take necessary actions to protect its interests.
He underscored the crucial role of voter participation in bolstering Ghana’s democracy, stressing that high turnout enhances the credibility of the electoral process and grants legitimacy to those elected to govern.
NPP Dismisses NDC’s Electoral Register Concerns
However, The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rebuffed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) concerns about the electoral register, deeming them unfounded and unnecessary.
Evans Nimako, NPP’s Director of Elections, noted that the purpose of the voter exhibition exercise is to identify and rectify the very issues raised by the NDC, demonstrating the party’s commitment to a credible electoral process.
He clarified that the voter exhibition exercise provides an opportunity for stakeholders to scrutinize the register, identify and rectify any discrepancies or errors, and ensure its accuracy before finalization, thereby rendering the NDC’s concerns moot.
“So when there’s an exhibition, the exercise is simple. It is to enable stakeholders and assist the electoral commission to come out with a register that would be the final register for an election”.
“So, at this phase, we are doing an exhibition, so if you go to the exhibition center and your details are not correct, all that you do is ask for the exhibition officer to give you the appropriate forms, so you feel for the right corrections to be made to your details.”
Evans Nimako
Nimako stated that the exhibition is intended to enable voters to double-check their registration records, making sure all information is correct and up-to-date.
This, he asserted, electorates to double-check that their names and personal details are precisely recorded and accurately reflected in the register, eliminating any yes, potential errors.
The NPP stalwart emphasized that to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission (EC) must ensure that all corrections and updates made during the exhibition are accurately reflected in the final register
As such, he expressed surprise that some individuals, particularly those from the NDC, are raising unnecessary concerns at this stage, despite the transparent and corrective measures in place.
Nimako reaffirmed the NPP’s confidence in the Electoral Commission’s ability to act with integrity and impartiality, ensuring a fair and transparent process that truly serves the interests of the Ghanaian people.
READ ALSO: Israeli Operation In West Bank Tagged “Act Of War”
