The General Secretary of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Remy Edmudson expressed significant concerns regarding the integrity and transparency of the provisional voters’ register ahead of the December 2024 elections. Mr. Edmudson reflected on issues raised by various political stakeholders, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and independent candidates.
Mr. Edmudson emphasized the need for the Electoral Commission (EC) to address these concerns promptly to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. Mr. Edmudson noted that, although the NDC initially raised concerns about the provisional voters’ register, these issues have now extended beyond the party, affecting various stakeholders across the political spectrum.
He stated, “Initially when the exhibition exercise started, it appeared to be like there was NDC that was making a case for this, but over time, this appears to be quite a situation that goes beyond the NDC and concerns all over.”
Mr. Edmudson further highlighted that independent candidates have also reported similar issues. He recounted a recent meeting with the EC, where several independent candidates mentioned instances of voters’ information being transferred to different polling stations without their knowledge.
“Yesterday, we had an independent candidate also make a similar observation, that when they went around the country, they had instances where people told them that… [with] the voter ID polling station codes when they went to check during the exhibition exercise their vote has been transferred to another polling station without their knowledge, which is quite a serious thing.”
Remy Edmudson the General Secretary of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
Call for Transparency from the Electoral Commission
The PPP General Secretary emphasized the importance of transparency in the electoral process. He referenced a recent disclosure by one of the EC’s deputy commissioners, who revealed that an officer had been suspended for illegally transferring votes using voters’ ID cards without their physical presence. This revelation, Mr. Edmudson noted, underscored the need for the EC to be more upfront about these issues. He asserted; ‘It is important that we support the call for transparency. We need clear answers from the Electoral Commission.’’
Moreover, Mr. Edmudson expressed concern about the delay in receiving the provisional voters’ register database, which he described as a key issue that needed to be addressed.
“For us, the alternative political parties, we received our copies of the provisional voters’ register database a day after the exercise started…even though we had been asking for it previously.”
Remy Edmudson the General Secretary of the Progressive People’s Party PPP
This delay, according to Mr. Edmudson, has created a lack of confidence in the EC’s ability to manage the process efficiently. Mr. Edmudson voiced her support for the NDC’s demand for an external audit of the provisional voters’ register. The NDC had called for a thorough investigation into the register to ensure that all issues were resolved before the elections. Mr. Edmudson described this demand as “nonnegotiable” and critical for ensuring a transparent electoral process.
“I support the NDC’s call. As I said, this is not just their call. Other people are indicating across the country that this is something that seems to be going on.”
Remy Edmudson the General Secretary of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
According to Mr. Edmudson, if voters’ information is being transferred without their knowledge in several places across the country, it could lead to chaos on election day.
“If indeed voters are being transferred out of their polling stations without their knowledge, and is taking places in several places across the country then is a recipe of chaos on election day…We don’t want that. This election is quite critical, and there’s so much tension already. We need the EC to be upfront with us.”
Remy Edmudson the General Secretary of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
Audit and Re-exhibition of Voter Register
When asked about the form the proposed forensic audit should take, Mr. Edmudson acknowledged that the exhibition of the voters’ register was a positive first step. However, he stressed the need for a comprehensive audit to address all issues raised during the exhibition.
“For whatever it’s worth, the exhibition of the voter register is a first step in the right direction. But this forensic audit needs to be thorough.”
Remy Edmudson the General Secretary of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
Mr. Edmudson also supported the NDC’s call for a re-exhibition of the voter register after the audit is complete to ensure that all issues have been resolved.
According to Mr. Edmudson Once the final register is compiled, the EC must make it available as quickly as possible so that the political parties, can review it again. If there are any further issues, they would engage the EC and resolve them ahead of the election. That should be the first step.
Despite the challenges with the voter register, Mr. Edmudson expressed confidence in the PPP’s preparation for the upcoming elections. He mentioned that the party had already selected its bid to file for its presidential candidate and was finalizing the nomination process.
“We are very sure that if the issues identified are resolved promptly, we can have a free and fair election. But if these issues are not addressed, and information doesn’t come on time for us to be satisfied with the process, then unfortunately, we will not have much confidence in the election.”
Mr. Edmudson reiterated the PPP’s commitment to a transparent and credible electoral process and urged the EC to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to address the concerns raised.
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