Anthony Karbo, a senior aide on Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team, has dismissed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) “Enough is Enough” protest over the voter register as a mere “keep fit” exercise. During a campaign tour in Kpone Katamanso on Tuesday, Karbo criticized the NDC’s demonstration, which was held in response to perceived discrepancies in the voter register.
He described the protest as an attempt to draw attention rather than a serious issue affecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Karbo pointed out that the NDC is fully aware that the Electoral Commission (EC) has internal mechanisms in place to address any discrepancies in the voters’ register. He argued that similar protests in the past had not led to significant changes or improvements and expressed doubt that a forensic audit would yield different results. He compared the situation to international voter registers, noting that even the American and British registers are not perfect and that a forensic audit would reveal discrepancies that may not necessarily affect the outcome of an election.
In his remarks, Karbo suggested that the NDC’s protest was more about political posturing than about resolving genuine issues. He characterized the demonstration as part of the pre-election “antics” designed to showcase political strength and influence public perception. According to Karbo, such actions are common in the lead-up to elections and are often used to mobilize supporters and create a sense of urgency, but they do not necessarily address the underlying issues.
Meanwhile, the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), which includes key Civil Society Organizations such as the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has called for an independent audit of the final voters’ register once it is completed. The CFI’s call for an audit comes in response to the NDC’s concerns about discrepancies in the voter register, highlighting the need for transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Monday, the CFI emphasized that the impasse between the NDC and the EC could be resolved through sincere and constructive dialogue rather than confrontation. The CFI proposed that the EC commit to an independent audit of the final voters’ register once it is finalized, aiming to address concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the register.
The CFI’s proposal reflects a broader concern about maintaining a transparent and credible electoral process. By advocating for an independent audit, the CFI seeks to ensure that any discrepancies identified are addressed in a timely and impartial manner. The organization’s commitment to supporting peaceful and credible elections underscores its role in promoting democratic values and fostering trust in the electoral system.
The CFI also reiterated its readiness to assist in any way possible to strengthen Ghana’s democratic processes. It highlighted the importance of ensuring that the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections are conducted in a manner that reinforces Ghana’s status as a beacon of multiparty democracy in West Africa.
As the election approaches, the debate over the voters’ register and the calls for an independent audit continue to be significant issues. While Karbo and the NPP downplay the NDC’s protest as a political maneuver, the CFI’s call for an independent audit aims to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders and ensure that the electoral process remains credible and transparent.
The contrasting viewpoints of the NPP and the CFI illustrate the complexity of managing electoral integrity and the varying perspectives on how best to address issues related to the voter register. As discussions and preparations for the elections continue, the focus will likely remain on ensuring that all concerns are addressed in a way that upholds the principles of fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
In summary, while Anthony Karbo dismisses the NDC protest as a political exercise, the Civic Forum Initiative advocates for an independent audit of the voters’ register to ensure credibility and transparency in the upcoming elections. The ongoing dialogue and actions of both sides highlight the importance of addressing electoral concerns through constructive engagement and adherence to democratic principles.
