In a move that has sparked heated debate ahead of the country’s upcoming general elections, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has dismissed the opposition National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) demand for a forensic audit of the voter’s register.
This decision comes as the nation prepares for crucial polls scheduled for December 7, 2024. The EC’s response to the NDC’s demands has been one of legal adherence and procedural sufficiency. Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC, argued that the ongoing voter exhibition exercise is essentially an audit in itself.
“The NDC’s detection of discrepancies with the provisional voters register is not new. As the commission has maintained, the essence of the exhibition exercise is to correct discrepancies, this is what is being done as has been the case in the past.”
Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC
In his view, the NDC’s call for a forensic audit is premature because the current process already includes checks and corrections through a legally prescribed framework.
“The question is, should the forensic audit be conducted, who will fix the discrepancies? The answer is it is the same Commission that will fix them, and that is what we are doing,” Mr. Tettey stated.
This sentiment implied that the NDC’s agitation may be more political than technical, a suggestion furthered by Tettey’s reference to the opposition’s apparent disinterest in the 2016 voters’ register, “which contained photos of plants and animals representing voters.”
The EC’s stance appears to be rooted in confidence in its established procedures. Mr. Tettey pointed out that the law makes provision for the self-auditing of the voter’s register through the exhibition exercise.
Mr. Tettey emphasized that this process has been in place since 1992 and has proven effective in maintaining the integrity of the register.
Furthermore, the EC has stated that it is actively fixing any irregularities that arise during the exercise, such as the illegal transfer of votes.
While the NDC has raised concerns about these issues, the EC has indicated that it has not only corrected them but also penalized the officials involved. This should ideally give some level of assurance that the Commission is taking its responsibility seriously.
Dialogue Over Demonstration
The dispute between the EC and the NDC has led to increased political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections. The NDC has announced plans for a nationwide demonstration on September 17 to protest the EC’s refusal to accept an independent audit of the register.
In response to these developments, the EC has appealed to the NDC leadership to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to street protests. Mr. Tettey urged the NDC’s presidential candidate to “return to the dialogue table” and avoid actions that could unnecessarily heighten tensions.
“We call on the former President, His Excellency John Mahama, an eminent and respected statesman of the Republic, to encourage and bring his party to the table as that is the best place to address issues and ascertain the truth regarding the Voters Register.
“We are confident that the former President will heed to our calls and do everything in his power to bring his party to the discussion table.”
Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC
While the EC remains steadfast in its rejection of a forensic audit, it has offered assurances that it is committed to transparency and addressing any legitimate concerns raised by political parties. The commission promised to investigate the issues raised by the NDC and produce a report for discussion.
“On our part, we assure the NDC of a transparent process that would demonstrate to them that all their concerns have been resolved. The Commission wishes to state that, almost all the discrepancies identified have to date been corrected.”
Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC
The current impasse between the NDC and the EC over the voters’ register represents a larger issue of trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
While the EC is technically correct in asserting that the exhibition process functions as an audit, the NDC’s demand for a forensic audit reflects deeper concerns about the fairness of the electoral system. In a fragile political climate, where electoral disputes can easily lead to unrest, both parties must find common ground.
A possible solution could involve a neutral, third-party observer overseeing the final stages of the voter register’s correction process. This would reassure the NDC without undermining the EC’s authority.
At this critical juncture, Ghana cannot afford a prolonged standoff that might shake public confidence in the upcoming elections. Both the EC and the NDC must act with caution, responsibility, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
READ ALSO: GCB Bank PLC Crowned CIMG Marketing-Oriented Bank 2023
