The credibility of the voters register has, in the last several weeks, been questioned by the leading opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Intriguingly, the NDC while it was vociferous to a fault, failed incredibly to provide evidence and reasons for desecrating the register.
After some vilification campaigns across the FM and broadcast networks, the NDC decided to go on a demo.
Still at that point the NDC, together with allies in a section of the media, was raising issues, without tabling their gripe to be dealt with by the Electoral Commission in line with the statutes that guide the operations of the EC.
It was at the point of handing over petitions to Parliament and the EC that has the issues the NDC was appearing to be holding close to their chest – if it truly had credible issues that needed addressing for the benefit of all the political parties.
Again, the NDC had avoided tabling the issues at the platforms of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee IPAC. Only a few days ago, Nana Akomea made that point, made endlessly by a section of the media.
Increasingly, the NDC together with their Minority Caucus in Parliament. The motive is painting the EC evil and partisan and partial and incredulous to the electorate, acquiescing media and the international community.
Truth like a cork
But the NDC knows more than The Inquirer that when a Deputy Chairman of the EC, Dr Bossman Asare, mustered courage to announce that the Commission would be presenting the entire voter’s register to political parties and other relevant stakeholders on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 for their scrutiny and observations, that was the process and practice.
The EC’s move comes amid growing concerns about the accuracy and credibility of the provisional voter’s register ahead of the 2024 elections that started from the NDC without it stipulating reasons or citing mistakes and complicity. .
Dr Asare had announced the process in response to calls from various political parties, especially the NDC) for an audit of the voter’s register.
The NDC had raised concerns about alleged discrepancies in the provisional list and demanded immediate action to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
While the Electoral Commission had previously rejected calls for an audit, describing them as unnecessary, Dr Asare, we believe, was right and on the spot in assuring the public that the EC remains committed to a fair and transparent electoral process.
We also agree that presenting the register to political parties and civil society groups is part of the Commission’s efforts to build trust and ensure accountability.
The meeting on Tuesday will provide stakeholders the opportunity to review the register, raise concerns, and seek clarifications on any issues.
Returning to IPAC
Dr Asare expressed confidence that this engagement will address the concerns raised and foster collaboration between the EC and political entities.
Like Dr Asare, it is in the interest of the good people of our country that we have a collective duty to address all the concerns that were raised.
The EC has also responsibly informed the political parties that it intends to hold a meeting with them today- Tuesday-to present the entire voter’s register to the political parties and other groups on Tuesday.
So we are back at the IPAC that the NDC was avoiding like a plague.
How ridiculous!
Source:inquirernewsroom.com