The Electoral Commission (EC) has responded strongly to two videos circulating on social media in which two women, claiming to be members of a political party, falsely accuse the EC of ongoing voter registration and vote transfer exercises.
In a press release signed by Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations, the Commission categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as calculated mischief aimed at undermining the Commission’s credibility ahead of the December 2024 General Election.
The Commission’s press release emphasized that the accusations made in the videos are entirely unfounded. “The Commission states categorically that both allegations are FALSE,” Mr. Tettey declared.
Mr. Tettey further explained that the Limited Voter Registration Exercise for 2024 concluded on May 29, 2024, and the Application for the Transfer of Votes ended on June 14, 2024. Though it was briefly reopened from July 3 to July 5 for students in public universities, prisoners, and security agency personnel, all Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits used in these exercises were deactivated thereafter.
“Surprisingly, the persons making the allegations in the videos provided no evidence. The videos do not show images of registration kits or materials used for the purported Exercise. Neither was any EC Official seen in the video.”
Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations
Mr. Tettey pointed out the lack of evidence provided by the women in the videos. This absence of tangible proof further discredits the claims made in the videos.
The Commission expressed deep concern over the potential impact of these false allegations on the democratic process.
“The Commission finds these allegations dangerous to our democratic process and we entreat the General Public to disregard them,” Mr. Tettey urged. The dissemination of such misinformation is seen as an attempt to sow distrust and disaffection among the electorate, potentially destabilizing the electoral process and the peace of the nation.
Appeal to Political Parties and Stakeholders
The press release also included a plea to all political parties and stakeholders to refrain from spreading falsehoods that could undermine state institutions.
“We urge all stakeholders, especially the Political Parties, to avoid propagating falsehood which has the potential of undermining state institutions and destroying the peace and stability of our nation.”
Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations
In light of the seriousness of these fabrications, the Commission has called on the Ghana Police Service to take immediate action.
“We call on the Ghana Police Service to arrest and prosecute those behind these fabrications as a matter of urgency,” Mr. Tettey stated. This call underscores the Commission’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and upholding the rule of law.
The Electoral Commission reassured the public of its dedication to transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The Commission remains steadfast in its mission to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, urging the public to rely on verified information from official channels.
The allegations presented in the videos serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that misinformation poses to democratic institutions. As the December 2024 General Election approaches, the role of accurate and reliable information becomes ever more critical.
The Electoral Commission’s swift response highlights the importance of vigilance and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
