The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has issued an important announcement for all registered voters on the ongoing Exhibition Exercise.
The Commission urged all voters to visit designated Exhibition Centers with their Voter ID cards to verify the accuracy of their registration details. The exercise, scheduled to run from Tuesday, 20th August to Tuesday, 27th August, between 7 am and 6 pm daily, is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Voters are strongly advised to bring their Voter ID cards when visiting the Exhibition Centers to facilitate a seamless verification process.
“However, Registered Voters who fail to bring along their Voter ID Cards could also verify their details, but they cannot request any amendments to their details.”
Electoral Commission (EC)
It is important to note that while such voters can confirm their registration, they will only be able to request amendments or corrections to their details with their ID cards.
The EC emphasized that the purpose of this exercise is to allow voters to review their registration details, including their name, age, sex, polling station, and photograph as captured during the registration exercise.
“Voters will also have the opportunity to request amendments, changes, or insertions to their details in the Voters Register where necessary.”
Electoral Commission (EC)
For voters who may need help to visit the Exhibition Centers, the Electoral Commission introduced an electronic verification option.
“Registered voters can verify their details via a USSD code (*711*51#) on all mobile networks at a nominal fee of 50 pesewas. This service will be available throughout the Exhibition period and beyond.”
Electoral Commission (EC)
The EC emphasized that if any errors are identified during the electronic verification process, voters must still visit their respective Exhibition Centers to make the necessary corrections. This dual approach is aimed at providing greater accessibility while ensuring that any discrepancies are addressed promptly.
The Exhibition Exercise served not only as a verification process but also as an avenue for voters to make necessary amendments. Voters can correct their personal details and confirm their polling stations. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the public to object to the inclusion of unqualified individuals in the Voters Register.
Qualified citizens are encouraged to report the names of minors, foreigners, and deceased individuals who may still be on the register. Additionally, voters can object to the inclusion of individuals who are not residents of the electoral areas where they registered, as well as those who are not of sound mind.
The EC reiterated that it is a criminal offense to have one’s name on the register if they are not qualified to vote. Individuals who find themselves in such a situation are advised to visit the Exhibition Centers to have their names removed from the Voters Register.
In cases involving the removal of deceased persons from the register, the EC requires the submission of the deceased’s Voter ID card along with proof of death, such as a death certificate or burial permit. This measure ensures that the Voters Register is accurate and up-to-date ahead of the elections.
The EC also announced that the Special Voters Register will be displayed at all District Offices of the Commission during the Exhibition period.
This register includes the names of individuals who applied to vote as special voters, such as security personnel, election officials, and media practitioners who will be on duty on Election Day. All those who applied to be included in this register are required to visit the District Office in their constituency to ensure their names are correctly listed.
Political Parties and the Provisional Voters Register
In accordance with Regulation 22 of C. I. 91 as amended by C. I. 126, the Electoral Commission is mandated to provide the Provisional Voters Register to all political parties within three months of the conclusion of the registration period.
“The Limited Voters Registration Exercise ended on 29th May 2024, and the Mop-Up Registration Exercise ended on 3rd August 2024.
“On the basis of the Limited Voters Registration Exercise, the Commission has until the end of August 2024 to give the Provisional Register to the Political Parties.”
Electoral Commission (EC)
The EC confirmed that the External Drives containing the Provisional Voters Register are now ready for collection. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has already retrieved its copy.
The EC stressed that this register is provisional, and all corrections identified during the Exhibition Exercise will be incorporated before the final Voters Register is printed for the elections.
The Exhibition of the Provisional Voters Register will be conducted at all polling stations across the 268 District Offices nationwide. The EC urged all voters to participate actively in this exercise to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the final Voters Register, which is essential for the upcoming elections.
The Electoral Commission’s proactive approach in organizing the Exhibition Exercise underscored its commitment to a transparent and credible electoral process. All registered voters are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to verify their details and contribute to the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.
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