Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has slammed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its recent proposal for a forensic audit of the voter registration, calling it “unwarranted” and lacking legal support.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Boakye emphasized that the NDC’s demand that the Electoral Commission (EC) includes a third party in checking the voter register, violates the EC’s constitutional independence. He noted that, “the NDC has failed to provide any legal basis for its unwarranted call”, emphasizing the exclusivity of the EC’s mandate in compiling the voter register.
Mr. Boakye quoted Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 2 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1993 (Act 451) to emphasise that the EC is entirely responsible for compiling the electoral register and supervising elections. He emphasised that, “the EC is not subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.”
Mr. Boakye also cited other Supreme Court instances, including Philip Kwaku Apaloo (2010), Ransford France (2012), and the Abu Ramadan Series, to argue that the EC’s decisions cannot be challenged until found illegal. “Where multiple choices avail the EC in the performance of its functions, the EC has the sole discretion to choose one.”
He also criticised the NDC’s attempts to interfere with the EC’s procedure, describing it as a “breach of its independence.” Mr. Boakye stated that the EC has continuously engaged political parties in addressing concerns through forums such as the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), promoting fairness in its processes. He added that, “the NDC should know that while the EC may engage stakeholders, that does not confer a right to dictate what choices the EC makes in executing its constitutional mandate.”
Mr. Boakye suggested the rejection of the NDC’s proposal, describing it as “empty and must be rejected” for the protection of EC’s integrity and independence.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
