The Zango Institute for Development (ZID), a non-profit organization focused on education, peace, and the development of Zango communities in Ghana, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct a forensic audit of the Provisional Voter Register ahead of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The institute, through its research in 360 Zango communities across all 16 regions, uncovered significant irregularities during and after the voter register exhibition held from August 20 to August 27, 2024.
According to ZID’s findings, 252 of the 361 Zango communities, representing 70%, experienced various issues, including missing voters’ names and unauthorized or illegal transfers of voters to different polling stations. The institute warns that if these irregularities are not addressed, thousands of Zango residents could be disenfranchised in the upcoming elections.
In light of these findings, ZID is urging the EC, led by Chairperson Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa, to allow an independent forensic audit of the provisional voter register to ensure transparency and prevent voter disenfranchisement.
Mrs. Mensa, addressing questions from Members of Parliament, reaffirmed the EC’s commitment to transparency, stating, “From the registration to the declaration, our processes are embedded with one key ingredient, and that is transparency, transparency, transparency. As such, we will continue to operate in the spirit of transparency, fairness, and integrity as embedded in our motto.”
ZID expressed concern about the potential impact on the Zango communities if these irregularities are not resolved before election day. The institute highlighted the risk of frustration and unrest if voters arrive at polling stations only to discover their names are missing from the register.
As the December 2024 elections approach, ZID calls for immediate action to safeguard the voting rights of Zango residents and to maintain public trust in the electoral process.