In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and bolstering public trust ahead of Ghana’s December 7, 2024, general elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has scheduled a crucial meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs), diplomats, religious groups, media managers, and journalists to address what they describe as serious discrepancies in the 2024 Provisional Voters Register (PVR).
This meeting, set for 4 p.m. today, marks a significant step in the party’s ongoing advocacy for electoral transparency and integrity, following recent public outcry and demonstrations over the state of the electoral roll.
According to Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, the party aims to highlight key concerns surrounding the integrity of the voter register and the need for a forensic audit of both the register and its underlying IT systems.
“This is essential for ensuring transparency and restoring public trust ahead of the December 7 elections,” Fifi Kwetey emphasized in a statement earlier today.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the party’s Director of IT and Elections, in another statement, underscored the importance of this meeting, stating that the NDC will present detailed evidence and arguments justifying the urgent need for a forensic audit of the voters register.
He reiterated that the party concerned about potential inaccuracies and vulnerabilities in the IT systems used by the Electoral Commission (EC), which they believe could undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections if left unchecked.
“At 4 pm today, on Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s holiday, we (NDC) shall meet CSOs, Labour Unions, Religious Leaders, Media Managers and Journalists, and other invited guests at the KAMA CONFERENCE CENTRE to present our case on the need for the forensic audit of the voters register and its IT system”.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Director of IT and Elections, NDC
Dr Omane Boamah further pointed out that the program is exclusively dedicated to invited guests but will be broadcast live on TV, radio, and social media networks to ensure that the wider public is informed about the issues at hand.
A Diverse Range of Stakeholders
The gathering, he noted will feature a diverse range of stakeholders, including leading CSOs, religious leaders, and labour unions, as well as prominent individuals from academia and the legal fraternity, participating in the discussion.
According to him, representatives from renowned civil society organizations such as the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), IMANI Ghana, Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), and ActionAid Ghana and many more.
The Labor Unions include the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, among others.
The Christian Council, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Ghana Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches, Ghana Muslim Mission, and the Federation of Muslim Councils are among the – religious organizations that are billed to be part of today’s meeting.
Other prominent academics like Professor Ransford Gyampo, Prof. Lord Mensah, Prof. Kobby Mensah and Professor Godfred Bokpin, and legal luminaries such as Martin Kpebu Esq. and Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi Esq., will also be in attendance.
This diverse list of participants reflects the NDC’s strategy to bring together a broad coalition of voices to push for electoral reforms that would safeguard the credibility of the upcoming polls.
Addressing the Electoral Commission’s Role
One of the key issues expected to dominate the discussion is the Electoral Commission’s (EC) handling of the voter register. The NDC has long accused the EC of failing to address discrepancies and technical issues that could lead to widespread disenfranchisement.
In a recent statement, the NDC reiterated its belief that a comprehensive audit of the EC’s IT infrastructure is necessary to prevent manipulation and ensure that the voter register is accurate.
This engagement follows the NDC’s participation in the #EnoughIsEnough demonstration, which saw thousands of Ghanaians take to the streets to demand electoral reforms and greater transparency in the compilation of the voter register.
The protest, which attracted national attention, has further intensified calls for the EC to take immediate action.
At today’s meeting, the NDC is expected to outline a roadmap for the forensic audit, detailing the scope and mechanisms they believe are necessary to guarantee a fair and transparent election.
With labour unions, CSOs, and religious leaders in attendance, the party hopes to build consensus around its demand for electoral reforms.
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