The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that five laptops were stolen from its stolen, however, it denied the request by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for an emergency meeting. The EC argued that the laptops stolen from its stores do not possess the capability to affect the integrity or outcome of elections.
The Commission further explained that the unreturned Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) that the NDC was referring to were retrieved from the various districts and assemblies as proven by an internal memo circulated by the commission.
“The memo in question, widely shared on social media, was a routine communication aimed at ensuring the accountability and return of all electoral equipment, including BVDs, to the Commission’s custody. This procedure underscores our rigorous asset management system, designed to maintain a transparent and accountable inventory of all Commission assets”.
Jean Mensah
The EC also argued that BVDs were designed with sophisticated security features such that without the proper activation and official use within the electoral framework, the devices were inoperative.
The Commission emphasized that the integrity of Ghana’s elections remains unquestionable even if the allegations of the NDC that the BVDs were not retrieved were true.
NDC’s Demands
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) earlier demanded that the Electoral Commission (EC) schedule an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to discuss issues regarding the missing Voter Registration Kits and some other issues.
The party indicated that it deems the missing voter registration kits, which were in the custody of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana as a significant threat, including a cyber-threat to Free, Fair, and Transparent elections that the country has benefitted from throughout the Fourth Republic.
“As a result, we have formally demanded that an IPAC meeting be convened to thoroughly discuss the terrible and avoidable occurrence that poses a major threat to the sanctity of the 2024 elections. Already, per the EC’s calendar of activities attached, an IPAC meeting must have been scheduled on Wednesday, March 27, 2024”.
NDC
Furthermore, the NDC indicated that it will also expect from the Electoral Commission (EC), an explanation of why the Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) which were distributed across the country during the December 2023 District and Assembly levels elections were not retrieved by the EC.
It also indicated that these devices if found in the wrong hands could be used maliciously, which will negatively affect the conduct of a free and fair election and therefore question the veracity of the results that will be produced by the 2024 general elections.
Moreover, the NDC assured the Electoral Commission of the party’s commitment to contributing to a calm and peaceful election, promising the Electoral Commission of the NDC’s utmost cooperation as the party pursues its evidence-based strategies and plans ahead of the December 07 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The party further assured Ghanaians of the NDC’s vigilance during the election to ensure that the Electoral Commission conducts a free and fair election devoid of any doubts concerning its credibility. “Our EAGLE EYES are wide open, and we shall ensure every legitimate vote is cast and counted”’ the party noted.
In recent times the Electoral Commission has come under the attack of the opposition NDC for allegedly failing to conduct its activities well to ensure a free and fair election in December.
The NDC’s distrust of the Commission is so deep-rooted to the point that the party had proposed the use of drones as a means of monitoring the December election to ensure that there are no foul plays that may compromise the election.
Conclusively, the NDC noted that it will be relentless in its quest to ensure a transparent election, asserting that Ghanaians must rescue Ghana from the non-performing and incompetent Akufo-Addo-Bawumia NPP government.
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