NDC raises questions over EC’s plan to print ballot papers without certified voter register

The National Democratic Congress is raising some red flags regarding the Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to proceed with the printing of ballot papers ahead of the 2024 general elections without first providing a certified voter register or accurate ballot statistics.

The NDC argue that such actions threaten the integrity of the electoral process, with the potential for widespread democratic abuses.

The NDC in a statement dated October 10, 2024 and signed by its Director of Elections and IT, Dr Edward Omane Boamah highlighted ten major points underscoring the dangers posed by this decision:

1. Institutional Decay: Concerns have been raised about the lack of accountability under the current administration.
2. Critics note that, aside from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), there is little institutional courage to challenge perceived undemocratic actions.

This is exacerbated by violent incidents in recent elections, including the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the deaths of eight individuals during the 2020 polls. The military’s incursion into Parliament on January 6, 2021, remains a stain on the nation’s democratic record, with no repercussions for those responsible.

3. Fear of Leaving Office: It has been suggested that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) fears relinquishing power after January 6, 2025. President Akufo-Addo is seen as highly resistant to handing over power to former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer.
4. Aiding Rigging Allegations: The opposition alleges that the EC, under Jean Mensah, is facilitating attempts by the NPP to manipulate the elections. However, they maintain that such efforts will be exposed and met with resistance, promising accountability after the elections.
5. Absence of Certified Register: The lack of a certified voter register has raised alarms about the EC’s credibility. Without an accurate count of registered voters, critics question which voter statistics the EC will rely on to print ballot papers, suggesting this opens the door to electoral malpractice.
6. Excess Ballot Concerns: The NDC has expressed worry over the potential for excess ballot papers to be printed without a verified number of registered voters. This could result in undue influence over election results in specific constituencies, critics warn.
7. Post-Election Legal Dilemma: The NDC notes that challenging election results in court after flawed outcomes is the only democratic recourse available. However, former President Mahama has declared he will not contest the results in court, highlighting the necessity of ensuring electoral integrity before polling day.
8. Alleged Ballot Box Stuffing Plot: The NDC claims it has strong evidence that the NPP intends to neutralize the opposition’s popular vote by stuffing ballot boxes with already thumbprinted ballot papers, potentially drawn from excess ballots printed without oversight.
9. Past Irregularities: The NDC points to the 2020 election, during which illegal ballot papers were discovered at one of the EC’s accredited printing facilities. The lack of accountability for this incident raises fears of a repeat in 2024.
10. Challenges in Detecting Fraud: The party highlights the difficulty in identifying fake ballot papers during the counting process, despite efforts by party agents. Even if irregularities are found, the failure of polling agents to sign pink sheets does not invalidate the declared results, leaving room for potential fraud.

11. Pre-Election Strategy: With opinion polls favoring John Mahama and the NDC, the opposition has called for vigilance. They stress the need to expose any rigging schemes by the EC and the ruling party, while adequately preparing their agents to monitor every step of the election process and resist any acts of oppression, intimidation, or manipulation.

Source:classfmonline.com