The Electoral Commission (EC) has responded to concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the 2024 Voters Register, stating that demonstration will not resolve the issue at hand.
In reaction to the NDC’s claims, the EC has urged the party to submit specific data on the discrepancies it has mentioned. However, according to the EC, the NDC has yet to provide any such data.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Samuel Tettey, the EC’s Deputy Commissioner of Operations, called on the NDC to officially present their concerns so they can be investigated. He stressed that demonstrations are not the appropriate solution and that the NDC should engage in dialogue instead.
The EC reassured the NDC in previous discussions that any issues would be thoroughly investigated within a week, provided the necessary data was submitted. However, with no information forthcoming, the process has been delayed.
The Commission urged former President John Mahama to encourage his party to work with the EC to resolve these concerns. The EC reiterated its commitment to addressing any inconsistencies in the voters’ register to ensure a credible election in 2024.
In addition, the EC reassured the public and political stakeholders that it remains dedicated to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. The Commission requested the public’s trust as it works to address any discrepancies in the register before the December 2024 elections.
“The Commission strongly believes that the surest way to attaining a credible and robust Register is not through demonstrations. There is simply nothing to demonstrate about. This is because the Commission has repeatedly requested the data on discrepancies from the NDC to no avail. We are of the view that, the stance taken by the NDC will not produce a credible register.”
“The Commission is of the view that the best place to resolve the issues they have identified is the discussion table. We urge them to submit details of the discrepancies they have identified to enable the Commission investigate the issues and demonstrate to them that the concerns they have, have been resolved. As indicated earlier the EC assured the NDC during the meeting that it would conduct a thorough investigation and report on the issues they had detected within a week. Why are they refusing to submit the data to enable the EC to investigate and provide a report?”
“The EC believes that the best way to ascertain the credibility and integrity of the 2024 Voters Register is the discussion table, not on the streets. Taking to the streets will not ensure a credible register. It will only cause tensions and suspicions which are unwarranted. We call on the former President, His Excellency John Mahama, an eminent and respected statesman of the Republic, to encourage and bring his party to the table as that is the best place to address issues and ascertain the truth regarding the Voters Register.
We are confident that the former President will heed to our calls and do everything in his power to bring his party to the discussion table. On our part, we assure the NDC of a transparent process that would demonstrate to them that all their concerns have been resolved.”
“The Commission wishes to state that almost all the discrepancies identified have to date been corrected. As in 2020, the Commission is committed to providing the country and all political parties with a robust and credible Voters Register that will guarantee a free, fair, transparent and credible General Election in December 2024. We urge the public to trust the EC to do this again and again.”
Source: InsiderGH.com
