Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, a renowned expert has highlighted that three principles are essential for maintaining voter register integrity.
Dr. Srem-Sai indicated that to ensure the accuracy and reliability of voter registers, eligible persons must be included, and ineligible persons must be excluded.
To maintain register integrity, he underscored the need for unique listings, preventing any eligible individual from being registered multiple times.
“Some people are saying that voter register exhibition (which allows only an individual to verify their name on the register) is a sufficient or the only legal mechanism for ensuring the above principles; and that political parties have no role at all in ensuring these principles. Is this claim correct?”
“The lawmaker knows that voter transfer could be done fraudulently. They also know that a voter may not know of such fraud until election day (by which time it would be too late)”.
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai
Dr. Srem-Sai, a lawmaker, outlined a clear process for transferring votes, ensuring transparency and accountability.
He noted that this process mandates that the Electoral Commission (EC) informs political parties about vote transfers, preventing unilateral decisions.
The seasoned lawyer further pointed out that the law establishes a crucial qualification criterion for voter transfer, setting the foundation for eligibility.
Accordingly, he emphasized that voter transfers cannot be done impulsively as to transfer one’s vote, one must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a formal process.
Dr. Srem-Sai emphasized that voters must formally apply for a transfer, which involves submitting an application to the district electoral officer of their new constituency or the Electoral Commission.
He added that voters must support their transfer applications with documentary evidence, including proof of residency for the required period, such as utility bills or tenancy agreements.
This application should be made at least 42 days before the election day to allow for necessary arrangements.
By mandating formal applications, the law ensures transparency and accountability in the vote transfer process.
Law Ensures EC Accountability to Political Parties
Furthermore, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai emphasized that the law mandates the Electoral Commission (EC) to share detailed information about each vote transfer with political parties to ensure transparency.
Dr. Srem-Sai explained that the measure aims to empower political parties and stakeholders to thoroughly verify and audit the voter register, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
He stated that this is achieved through individual verification mechanisms, such as voter register exhibition, and enables comprehensive audits to ensure the register’s accuracy.
“So, it is not exactly correct to say that no political party can determine that a voter’s name has been illegally transferred. They, sure, can. In fact, political parties are empowered to even object to transfers – for instance, if the voter doesn’t satisfy the criteria for a transfer”.
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai
Dr. Srem-Sai further emphasized that the rules governing voter register transfers also apply to other processes that alter the register, such as creating special voters lists, absent voters lists, and proxy voters lists.
These processes are crucial in ensuring the integrity of the electoral system, particularly for individuals who cannot vote in person due to illness, disability, employment, education, or personal reasons.
As such, Dr. Srem-Sai noted that given the current circumstances, refusing an independent audit is unjustifiable for anyone genuinely committed to election transparency.
He maintained that ensuring the integrity of elections is crucial for maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
Independent audits play a vital role in verifying the accuracy of voter registration data, which is critical for ensuring free and fair elections.
According to Dr. Srem-Sai by allowing independent audits, the Electoral Commissions demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, other stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for the EC to accept the opposition NDC’s request for a forensic audit of the voter register.
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