The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed significant apprehension regarding the final voter register released by the Electoral Commission (EC) for the forthcoming elections scheduled for December 7, 2024. During an address to party representatives in Accra, the chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, asserted that the final voter register had been thoroughly prepared to facilitate a transparent and reliable election process. However, despite her confident declaration, the NDC remains skeptical, raising concerns over numerous issues that they believe have yet to be adequately addressed regarding the register’s credibility.
Dr. Rashid Tanko Computer, who serves as the Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, articulated the party’s specific objections during a discussion on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News. He pointed out various discrepancies and problematic areas within the voter register, indicating a serious lack of confidence in its accuracy. One major criticism highlighted by Dr. Tanko is the absence of accompanying statistical data from the EC, which he emphasized is crucial for ensuring both transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He argued that without these essential statistics, the integrity of the voter register remains in question.
Moreover, Dr. Tanko criticized the EC for presenting the voter register without sufficient information about its composition and integrity, stating, “They brought the register, and they themselves didn’t even know the statistics of the register.” This assertion reflects a broader concern regarding the EC’s preparedness and capability, which undermines public trust in the electoral process. Dr. Tanko’s remarks suggest that the organization’s failure to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the voter register’s statistics may indicate deeper issues within the EC itself.
This lack of preparedness was further underscored by Dr. Tanko’s observations concerning the EC officials’ current actions. He stated that they had retreated to their offices to address outstanding issues related to the register, revealing a sense of urgency that suggests they are not fully confident in the register they have presented. Dr. Tanko mentioned, “As of now, they have all run to their offices working on the document. If they had it by now, they would have pulled it out,” thus questioning the validity and reliability of the voter register as a genuine electoral tool.
The NDC’s objections come amidst broader fears about the fairness and integrity of the upcoming electoral process. Opposition parties often scrutinize electoral management bodies, especially in contexts where public trust is vital for democratic processes. With the impending elections, the stakes are especially high, and any perceived deficiencies in the voter register could fuel allegations of electoral malfeasance. The criticisms offered by the NDC may resonate with segments of the electorate who share concerns about the electoral integrity and the potential for disenfranchisement.
In conclusion, the NDC’s vocal opposition to the EC’s final voter register highlights critical discussions surrounding electoral integrity, transparency, and accountability as the nation approaches its elections. As the EC prepares for December 7, 2024, the challenge remains for them to address the NDC’s concerns satisfactorily to ensure that the electoral process is viewed as fair and credible by all stakeholders involved. The outcome of these discussions and the actions taken may significantly impact public trust and participation in the upcoming elections.
