By Edzorna Francis Mensa
The larger opposition Political Party in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has petitioned Parliament and the Office of the Parliament to call the Electoral Commission to order ahead of December 7, Parliamentary and Presidential elections.
The NDC in the petition calling for the adoption of a Revised Timeline for Electoral Activities with respect to the timeline for upcoming electoral activities, “including the printing of the Final Voters Register and related materials, must be reviewed and adjusted in consultation with all political stakeholders to allow sufficient time for the forensic audit, re-exhibition, and corrections without compromising the 7th December election date”.
They have also called for the Commission to Institute Accountability and Integrity Measures to prevent future manipulation of the Voters Register- “this should include a review of internal processes, improved transparency in voter registration and transfer systems, and stricter protocols to safeguard the integrity of the voter’s register”.
The chairmen of the party, John Asiedu Nketia read out the content of the petition to Party members after presenting it to the Commission and the Leadership of Parliament after a day-long street protest on Tuesday, September, 17th, 2024 for the urgent need for the forensic audit into the Voter’s Register said, “the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process is essential to the stability of its democracy.
Given the numerous irregularities identified in the Provisional Voters Register – such as anomalies in voter registration and transfers, the loss of Biometric Voter Registration Kits, and other critical deficiencies – a comprehensive forensic audit is necessary to safeguard the credibility of the 2024 General Elections”.
He said, “In the national interest, the NDC urges your esteemed office to permit a forensic audit of the voter’s register and its IT system as a vital step towards restoring public confidence, ensuring transparency, and upholding the democratic principles that are the cornerstone of our Republic”.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, particularly as the 2024 General Elections approach. We trust that this petition will receive the attention it deserves to preserve the credibility and integrity of Ghana’s democratic process”. The National chairman noted.
The National chairman including the General Secretary, National communication plus some members of Parliament participated in the Greater Regional “Enough is Enough Demonstration” which happened in all the 16 regions at the same time for the same region with the same petition to all EC Regional Officers for attention.
