Politics

New voters’ register for 2020 elections on course: Electoral Commission

Plans are “far advanced” for the EC to launch its registration exercise to produce a new electoral roll

The Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its decision to compile a new voters’ register in the run-up to the 2020 general election. In a statement signed by the EC’s acting director of public affairs, Sylvia Annoh, the Commission hinted that plans for the new electoral roll are at an advanced stage.

“Stakeholders are hereby reminded that plans are far advanced for the compilation of a new voter register with a new voter management system for the upcoming 2020 presidential and parliamentary election,” said the statement, dated 11 May.

PPE story – right or wrong?

The Commission also used the statement to debunk allegations by the Minority Leader in Parliament, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, MP for Tamale South, that it had taken delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the government when some frontline health workers had none.

According to the election management body, Honourable Iddrisu’s comment sought to attack the integrity and also tarnish the image of key Commission officials.

Responding to the lawmaker, the EC said that it “finds it troubling that the leader of the minority party in Parliament will put out information of this nature without substantiating its authenticity”.

The Commission further stated that its activities are in line with the 1992 constitution and shall not be subject to any external influence.

Self-control

“As stated in Article 46 of the 1992 constitution, the EC would like to reiterate that it shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its function, except as provided for in the constitution or any other law consistent with it.”

The Electoral Commission further assured the general public and all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to organising free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2020.

The statement also called on the general public to disregard fake timetables and letters presented as emanating from the Commission.

Hue and cry

The Electoral Commission’s decision to compile a new voters’ register has been met with fierce resistance by some of the opposition parties, including the National Democratic Congress.

The Inter-Party Resistance Against the New Voters’ Register, IMANI Africa and other notable civil society organisations have vehemently opposed the move to compile a register afresh.

The compilation of a new voters’ register will cost the country over US$150 million. Announcement of the cost was met with public outcry. Many have described the EC’s move as a waste of public funds.

Kwabena Ameyaw

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