The Electoral Commission (EC) has reassured the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other relevant stakeholders of its dedication to producing a credible and robust voters register for the upcoming December 2024 general elections. This assurance came following a petition submitted by the NDC leadership after their protest, themed “Enough is Enough,” on Tuesday, September 17.
The protest saw the NDC demanding a forensic audit of the voters register, citing concerns over discrepancies they had uncovered in the provisional register.
In response to the petition, the EC’s Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, signed a statement reiterating the Commission’s commitment to the electoral process. According to the statement, the process of compiling the final voters register is still in its early stages. Tettey emphasized that the EC recognizes the importance of the voters register as the foundation of credible, fair, and transparent elections and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering a robust final register before the general elections in December.
The NDC’s protest and petition stem from allegations of discrepancies in the provisional voters register. The party claims that over 243,000 illegal names were identified on the transferred voters list alone, a matter they believe warrants a thorough investigation. The NDC’s leadership, along with regional party offices, expressed concerns that these discrepancies could undermine the credibility of the electoral process if not addressed through a forensic audit.
During the demonstration, NDC supporters voiced their frustration with what they view as irregularities in the voter registration process. Party leaders argued that an audit would ensure a more transparent electoral process and prevent potential manipulation of the voter register. They called on the EC to investigate the issues and remove the alleged illegal names from the register.
In its official response to the NDC’s petition, the EC acknowledged the concerns raised but maintained that the final voters register was still being compiled. The Commission assured the public that it would continue working towards producing a credible register that reflects the highest standards of fairness and transparency. Additionally, the EC emphasized that its doors remain open for dialogue with all stakeholders, including the NDC, to address any concerns as the process progresses.
While the EC did not immediately commit to conducting a forensic audit as requested by the NDC, its response highlighted the Commission’s intention to engage in discussions with the party and other relevant stakeholders. This approach signals the EC’s willingness to consider the concerns of all political parties while upholding its mandate to ensure credible elections.
The petition by the NDC is just one of several actions the party has taken in recent months to address issues surrounding the voters register. The party has been vocal about its concerns regarding the transparency of the electoral process, particularly in light of the upcoming elections, which are expected to be highly competitive. NDC leaders have argued that a credible voters register is crucial to ensuring a fair electoral outcome and preventing any form of electoral malpractice.
The EC’s statement also reflects the Commission’s broader commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process. Over the years, the EC has worked closely with political parties and stakeholders to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently. The Commission’s engagement with political parties, through forums such as the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), has been instrumental in addressing concerns and resolving issues related to the electoral process.
In the coming days, the EC is expected to review the NDC’s petition in detail and provide a formal response. The Commission’s ongoing dialogue with political parties and stakeholders will likely play a crucial role in addressing any lingering concerns about the voters register and ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent.
The December 2024 elections are a significant event in Ghana’s democratic history, with high stakes for both the NDC and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). As preparations for the elections continue, the credibility of the voters register remains a key issue for political parties and voters alike. The EC’s commitment to producing a robust final register will be crucial in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
For now, the EC has reaffirmed its role as the institution responsible for ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and transparently. Its open-door policy for engaging with stakeholders, including the NDC, highlights the Commission’s efforts to maintain trust and collaboration throughout the electoral process.
In conclusion, the Electoral Commission’s response to the NDC’s petition underscores its commitment to delivering a credible voters register for the December 2024 elections. The Commission has assured all stakeholders that it remains focused on upholding the integrity of the electoral process, while keeping the channels of communication open for continued dialogue. As the final voters register takes shape, the EC’s efforts to address concerns and ensure transparency will be pivotal in shaping the outcome of Ghana’s next general elections.
