In a bold and impassioned statement, Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini, Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to take immediate steps to restore public confidence in its activities. He expressed concern over the current state of affairs within the EC, which, in his view, poses a threat to the integrity of the upcoming general elections.
Hon. Suhuyini began his remarks by stressing the urgent need for the EC to act in a manner that fosters trust and transparency, given that the 2024 elections are only 53 days away.
“Many, level-headed Ghanaians, opinion leaders, and even research bodies have indicated that confidence in the Electoral Commission is at an all-time low. This is general knowledge.’’
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency
Hon. Suhuyini warned that the EC’s failure to address these concerns could have far-reaching implications for the credibility of the elections and peace in the country. He called for the EC to take swift action to clear its tarnished image and reassure Ghanaians of its impartiality and competence.
Questionable Voter Education Advertisements
One of the key issues Hon. Suhuyini raised was the EC’s controversial voter education advertisements, which he claimed appeared to promote the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to the Tamale North MP, the advert in question highlighted the NPP’s position on the ballot, which he believes is inappropriate and unfair.
“At my campaign launch, Honorable Haruna Iddrisu said a couple of things, one had to do with even [raising] the issue of an advert that the Electoral Commission is currently running on a supposed voter education, which highlights a particular place to vote, and explaining how people choose certain positions and numbers. What business have they got in doing that?”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency
He questioned why the EC would engage in such behavior, adding that it is the responsibility of political parties, not the EC, to promote their positions on the ballot.
“What business does the [Electoral Commission have] in telling people about number 1 on the ballot? What business do they have [explaining] how that was chosen? …They must stop that advert immediately.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency
Concerns Over the Voter Register and Ballot Printing
Another major concern raised by Hon. Suhuyini was the EC’s handling of the voter register, specifically the lack of a final register with less than two months to go before the election.
“We have 53 days left, and you have an Electoral Commission that still does not have a final register. And yet they seem to be already considering printing ballots. Based on what? How many ballots are you going to print?”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency
Hon. Suhuyini also criticized the EC’s decision to publish the voter register online.
“It is good to introduce these shortcodes and Vonline applications for people to verify their details on the voter register. But it is not enough, given the nature of our population and their level of education and access to these IT facilities.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency
He argued that these measures should complement other more accessible methods of verification rather than serve as the primary means for voters to check their registration details.
Calls for Independent Audit
The Tamale North MP reiterated the NDC’s call for an independent audit of the voter register.
“The admission to the errors that the NDC detected and the unwillingness of the Electoral Commission to accept an independent audit still leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many Ghanaians.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency
Hon. Suhuyini stressed that the NDC is fully prepared for the upcoming elections, but any attempt to manipulate the process would not go unnoticed. He urged the EC to take these warnings seriously to avoid unrest.
“Let nobody blame anyone if we gloss over these deliberate acts to, in our view, ring the elections and have disagreements on our hands. And I’m using disagreements because I don’t want to use a harsher word.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency
Hon. Suhuyini’s message was clear: the EC must act now to restore public trust and ensure a fair and peaceful election. The eyes of the nation are on the commission, and its actions in the coming weeks will determine whether the 2024 elections are remembered as free and fair or marred by controversy.
A Call for Action
Hon. Suhuyini reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to the upcoming elections.
He expressed confidence in the NDC in its preparations ahead of the 2024 elections. He cautioned the Electoral Commission to do more than it has been doing, to cleanse its image and build confidence in it.
This rallying cry from Hon. Suhuyini served as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, fairness, and integrity in the electoral process, as Ghana approaches its crucial 2024 elections.
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