Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and IT for the NDC has welcomed a recent move by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
He noted that it is encouraging to see the Commission taking steps to prevent election officials, including presiding officers, from sharing information with unnamed individuals.
According to a memo from the EC, these individuals allegedly attempt to compel presiding officers to submit or transfer polling station results to them.
The measures aim to ensure greater integrity during the December 7 elections.
“We urge all elections officials to be professional and non-partisan. EC, does not appoint partisan Elections Officers.
“This being the case, in advance of the Electoral Commission announcing names of Presiding Officers, Ballot Issuers, Verification Officers, Inkers and other Elections officials, #EAGLEEYES have secured the various NPP delegates lists…”
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Dr. Omane Boamah further highlighted a concerning precedent set during the Ejisu by-election, where polling station executives from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) served as officials of the Electoral Commission (EC).
He emphasized that, with less than 11 days remaining until the 2024 general elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains vigilant.
According to the NDC stalwart, the party will continue to cross-check the NPP delegates’ lists against the EC’s appointed election officials for the upcoming polls.
He emphasized that any partisan appointees identified will be publicly exposed, and the NDC will insist on their immediate replacement to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
He expressed the NDC’s preference for the Electoral Commission (EC) to have published the list at an earlier date.
Dr. Omane Boamah, however, acknowledged that under Regulation 19(6) of CI 127, the Electoral Commission still has one more day within the stipulated timeline to release the list.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to these legal timelines while urging the EC to prioritize timely communication to enhance transparency and build public trust in the electoral process.
EC Urged to Ensure Neutrality of Polling Officials
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah further emphasized that the NDC is hopeful that the delayed publication of the list will not be used as an excuse to overlook or fail to address concerns regarding partisan polling officials.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that polling officials are neutral and professional to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
According to Dr. Omane Boamah, allowing politically aligned individuals to serve as polling officials could compromise public confidence in the elections.
He urged the Electoral Commission to act decisively in weeding out such individuals, ensuring that only impartial and qualified officials oversee the electoral exercise.
This, he stated, is critical for fostering a fair and transparent election environment.
“This message is pre-emptive because time no dey! Vote John Dramani Mahama for well-paying jobs through the 24-hour economy initiative.”
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
He cautioned that the NDC would remain highly vigilant, monitoring the actions of both the Electoral Commission and the NPP to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasized that the party is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the elections and will not hesitate to call out any attempts to compromise the process.
According to him, the NDC’s dedication to democracy and accountability demands that it keeps a close eye on all stakeholders involved in managing the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the EC declined the request to provide the names of its officials to the unnamed entity as noted by the NDC, stating that it is beyond the Commission’s authority to disclose the names of its officials.
“Such a request is not emanating from the Commission and should be ignored. Indeed, the Guidelines on Results Collation and Transmission do not cover the transmission of results from polling stations”.
Electoral Commission
The EC urged all its officers, both permanent and temporary, to strictly adhere to the provided Guidelines on Results Collation and Transmission.
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