Professor Alidu Seidu, head of the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department, has indicated that the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) call for a forensic audit of the voter register is well-timed.
Prof. Siedu noted that conducting a forensic audit of the voter register would be a crucial step for the Electoral Commission (EC) to address concerns surrounding its fairness and accuracy.
He stated that by doing so, the EC can effectively dispel lingering doubts and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
“I think it is in the best interest of the EC to conduct the forensic audit of the voter’s register. When people are saying you are not fair or the processes are not fair and the register is not accurate, why don’t you just prove them wrong? Why can’t you just let the process go on?”
“If the NDC identified challenges in the register and calls for a complete audit, I think the process is timely and should be done now rather than later.”
Professor Alidu Seidu
The Political Scientist stated that the Afrobarometer’s measurement of public opinion highlights concerns about the voter register’s accuracy, and a political party has expressed doubts about its reliability.
He noted that in this context, it is reasonable for the Electoral Commission to give the party the benefit of the doubt and conduct an audit to prove that the register is indeed accurate.
According to the Political Scientist, if the Electoral Commission (EC) resists auditing the voter register, it will fuel public skepticism about the election’s fairness and the register’s accuracy.
He noted that even well-established democracies acknowledge the significance of conducting audits when needed, highlighting the crucial role transparency plays in ensuring electoral integrity.
He stated that this is especially important in maintaining trust in the electoral process, as audits help build confidence in the accuracy and reliability of voter registers.
Prof. Seidu indicated that by recognizing the importance of audits, democracies demonstrate their commitment to transparency and fairness.
Rev. Dr. Adu Gyamfi Highlights Importance of Voter Register Accuracy
Furthermore, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi noted that the process of compiling and verifying the voters’ register is a meticulous one, and it is in the best interest of all stakeholders, including the NDC, to ensure that any errors are properly corrected before the final register is published.
He indicated that by waiting for the EC to complete this critical task, the NDC would not only be acting in good faith but would also position itself to make more compelling arguments if the issues persist in the final version of the register.
He emphasized that making demands prematurely could create unnecessary tensions and lead to public confusion, potentially eroding confidence in the electoral process.
Rev. Dr. Gyamfi stressed that a thorough and transparent resolution of the errors in the voters’ register is essential for maintaining the integrity of the upcoming elections.
“I think the most important thing is to go to the discussion table and put out the issues there, just putting them in the public domain does not solve any problem”.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi
He expressed optimism that the NDC’s grievances would be thoroughly addressed during the upcoming Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting scheduled for September 18, 2024.
Rev. Dr. Adu Gyamfi emphasized that such platforms provide a critical opportunity for political parties to engage in constructive dialogue with the Electoral Commission (EC) and other stakeholders.
He highlighted the importance of open discussions in resolving disputes, fostering transparency, and ensuring that all parties are heard.
By addressing the NDC’s concerns at IPAC, he believes it could help alleviate tensions, build trust in the electoral process, and ultimately contribute to a more credible and peaceful election.
“We are hoping that at that meeting, whatever issues there are, we expect that the NDC presents its grievances for it to be looked at”.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi
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