The Ghana Elections Project (TGEP) has expressed concern over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) lack of response to the growing calls for an audit of the voter’s register.
TGEP observed that despite widespread demands from civil society, political parties, and other stakeholders, the EC appears indifferent to the issue.
TGEP believes that auditing the voter’s register is essential to ensuring transparency, credibility, and confidence in Ghana’s electoral process.
The Project pointed out recent concerns about discrepancies and the inclusion of ineligible voters, which if left unaddressed, could compromise the integrity of future elections.
“The dismissive posture of the Commission in the face of such a call does not befit an independent constitutional body mandated to conduct public elections in a democratic country such as Ghana”.
“The Ghana Elections Project wants to remind the Electoral Commission that its role under the constitutional framework is akin to that of an independent umpire”.
The Ghana Elections Project (TGEP)
Furthermore, TGEP stressed that a comprehensive audit would help to identify and correct potential errors, remove the names of deceased individuals, and ensure that the register is free from irregularities.
The project argued that the EC’s reluctance to engage with these calls undermines public trust in the electoral process.
TGEP has urged the EC to take swift action and collaborate with independent auditors to verify the accuracy of the voter’s register.
The Project believes that this is a critical step toward fostering a transparent and accountable electoral system in Ghana.
As such, TGEP stated that any attitude or utterance that portrays the Electoral Commission as an interested or biased institution should be disregarded because such perceptions can undermine public trust in the electoral process.
The Project further stated that the Commission must remain impartial, ensuring fairness and transparency. Unfounded accusations of bias can erode its credibility, causing unnecessary tensions and mistrust.
Therefore, it is crucial to uphold the commission’s independence, focusing on evidence-based concerns through proper legal channels.
Afrobarometer Survey Reveals EC As Least Trusted Institution
Furthermore, the Ghana Elections Project highlighted that, according to the recent Afrobarometer survey, the Electoral Commission, in its current form, is already the least trusted institution.
This lack of trust among citizens poses a significant challenge to the credibility of the electoral process, as public confidence in its neutrality is critical for peaceful and fair elections.
“Therefore, the Ghana Elections Project would not expect behaviors that threaten the safety of Ghanaians and cast doubt on the credibility of the December 7 General Election results.
“The Electoral Commission must build public confidence in its work before and after the December 7 General Elections, and it should start with the voter’s register”.
The Ghana Elections Project (TGEP)
Accordingly, the Ghana Elections Project (TGEP) urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to heed calls for an independent audit of the voter’s register to avoid potential disenfranchisement in the upcoming elections.
TGEP emphasized the importance of ensuring that every eligible voter is accounted for and given the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
Citing the 2020 General Elections as a cautionary example, TGEP reminded the public of the unfortunate situation in which residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi, and Likpe (SALL) were denied the chance to vote.
This incident raised concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process, prompting calls for corrective measures to prevent a recurrence.
TGEP believes that a thorough, independent audit would help address any discrepancies or omissions in the voter’s register, thereby reinforcing confidence in the EC’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Such an audit would also serve as a safeguard against any unintended errors that might lead to disenfranchisement, ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has yet to respond to the growing calls for an audit of the voter register, following its initial rejection of the request made by the opposition NDC.
