In a strongly-worded press statement issued today, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed significant concerns regarding a recent directive from the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.
Through a memorandum to Regional Directors, the Deputy Chairman (Operations) of the EC instructed them to disallow agents of political parties from observing the ongoing voter transfer exercise. This directive has sparked outrage within the NDC, which views it as a potential avenue for electoral manipulation.
“We find this directive outrageous and clearly calculated to aid gerrymandering through illegal voter transfers. It is sad that the Electoral Commission, which is supposed to be a neutral umpire and a champion of transparency in our electoral processes, has opted for opacity in such an important electoral exercise.”
Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress
The NDC argued that the directive to exclude political party agents from the voter transfer exercise is not only suspicious but also threatens the credibility of the electoral process.
The NDC believes that the directive is an attempt by the EC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to conceal unlawful activities during the voter transfer process. The statement questioned, “What do the Electoral Commission and the NPP have to hide that they do not want agents of political parties to observe the ongoing voter transfer exercise?”
Emphasizing the critical role of party agents in ensuring electoral transparency, the NDC argued that such actions by the EC undermine the trust and confidence in Ghana’s electoral system. “Political party agents play an important role in promoting transparency, and deepening confidence in our electoral system,” the statement read.
NDC’s Urgent Call
In response to the EC’s directive, the NDC has called on all its agents nationwide to defy and disregard the order. The party has directed its Regional and Constituency Secretariats to deploy NDC agents to all district offices of the EC to closely monitor the ongoing voter transfer exercise. The party is determined to remain vigilant and resist any attempts by the EC to engage in gerrymandering or manipulate the electoral processes.
“With Eagle Eyes, the NDC shall remain vigilant through our trusted agents across the country and resist any attempt by the EC to engage in gerrymandering or manipulate the processes leading to the upcoming 2024 elections.”
Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress
Furthermore, the NDC has instructed its Regional and Constituency Secretariats to take appropriate measures to protect party agents and to resist any acts of intimidation, harassment, or attacks against them during the exercise.
The NDC’s press statement raises concerns about the potential consequences of the EC’s directive. If political party agents are barred from observing the voter transfer exercise, it could undermine the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. Without effective oversight, there is a risk that gerrymandering and other manipulations may occur, eroding public confidence in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Moreover, the NDC’s call for defiance and the deployment of agents to monitor the voter transfer exercise may escalate political tensions. The presence of party agents, especially in a defiant stance, could lead to confrontations and conflicts at district EC offices. Ensuring the safety and protection of these agents will be crucial to maintaining order and preventing violence.
The NDC’s stance reflects a broader concern within Ghanaian society about the conduct of the EC and its implications for the 2024 elections. As the country approaches a critical juncture in its democratic history, the actions of the EC and the reactions of political parties will shape the narrative around the forthcoming elections, influencing public perception and participation.
This press statement marks a pivotal moment in the pre-election period, setting the stage for what could be a contentious electoral cycle. The NDC’s defiance of the EC’s directive and its emphasis on transparency and accountability signal a determination to uphold democratic principles and ensure a fair and credible electoral process in Ghana.
