The Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the Electoral Commission (EC), Samuel Tetteh, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its decision to organize a nationwide demonstration. The protest, scheduled for September 17, stems from the EC’s refusal to conduct a forensic audit of the voter’s register ahead of the upcoming December elections.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Tetteh stressed that street protests are not a viable path to achieving a credible voter’s register. He emphasized that the EC has repeatedly asked the NDC to provide concrete data on the discrepancies they claim exist in the register but has yet to receive any substantial evidence.
“The Commission strongly believes the surest way to attaining a credible and robust register is not through demonstrations. There is simply nothing to demonstrate about,” Tetteh stated.
For several weeks, the NDC has voiced concerns about irregularities in the voter’s register. The party has called for an independent forensic audit, a request the EC has denied. Tensions escalated after the EC admitted that some of its district officers had illegally transferred votes, a breach it claims has since been corrected. The EC penalized the officers involved, but the NDC remains unsatisfied, arguing that further scrutiny is necessary to restore confidence in the register.
NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has since announced a demonstration on September 17, urging party members to march to EC offices nationwide. Former President and NDC Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama has endorsed the protest, calling on members to show up in large numbers.
However, the EC continues to urge dialogue, stressing that demonstrations will only fuel unnecessary tension and suspicion. “The EC believes that the best way to ascertain the credibility of the 2024 voter’s register is at the discussion table, not on the streets,” Tetteh reiterated.
He assured that the Commission remains open to investigating any reported discrepancies and is committed to demonstrating that concerns have been fully addressed.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
