Kofi Akpaloo, the flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), has recently voiced strong criticism regarding the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s call for a forensic audit of the upcoming 2024 voters’ register. During an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on October 1, 2024, he characterized the NDC’s demands as “non-starter,” arguing that with elections less than three months away, such an audit would be impractical. Akpaloo emphasized that the timeline leading up to the December 7 elections is too tight for the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct the comprehensive audit that the NDC is advocating for, thus deeming their proposal a distraction at a crucial time.
In Akpaloo’s assessment, the logistical challenges posed by the NDC’s request are significant. With approximately 65 days remaining until the elections, he pointed out that effectively auditing the register, which encompasses 275 constituencies, 40,000 polling stations, and around 18 million voters, would be nearly impossible within the given timeframe. He questioned the practicality of conducting such an extensive forensic examination so close to the election and urged the NDC to reconsider their stance, indicating that their efforts would not yield any beneficial outcomes.
The NDC’s arguments for an audit stem from their allegations that the voters’ register includes ineligible voters, specifically “ghost names” that could potentially skew election results. However, Akpaloo dismissed these claims, reinforcing his belief that the integrity of the voters’ register remains intact and asserting that the presence of deceased individuals on the list would not materially affect the electoral outcome. His statements underscored that the biometric nature of the register provides a level of security that renders such concerns largely irrelevant, and that the NDC’s insistence on the audit is misguided.
Further addressing the situation, Akpaloo expressed support for the work done by the Electoral Commission, praising them for their effective management of the voters’ register. He rejected the idea that human error was a substantial concern, stating that the EC’s efforts have demonstrated competence and reliability in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. This confidence in the EC stands in stark contrast to the NDC’s more critical view, highlighting a significant divide between the political parties regarding election management.
Moreover, Akpaloo urged the NDC to focus their energy on more constructive avenues rather than pursuing audits that, in his view, would not change the fundamental realities of the upcoming elections. By characterizing the NDC’s request as a waste of time, he sought to redirect the conversation towards ensuring that the electoral environment remains fair and focused, rather than bogged down by contentious debates over the register’s integrity at such a late stage in the election cycle.
In conclusion, the exchange reflects broader tensions in Ghana’s political landscape as parties gear up for the imminent elections. Akpaloo’s criticisms of the NDC’s agenda reveal a deep-seated belief in the capabilities of the Electoral Commission while simultaneously attempting to preemptively quell dissent over the voter registration process. The discourse surrounding the voters’ register illustrates the high stakes of the electoral process and the emphasis on preparedness, urging political entities to collaborate rather than drift into unnecessary conflict.
