EC rejects ‘unconvincing’ demands for new voters register – EC

The committee set up by the Electoral Commission to deliberate over the debate for a new voters’ register has rejected arguments for a new voter roll, describing the calls as “unconvincing.”

The Commission in a statement signed by Christian Owusu-Parry, Acting Director of Public Affairs at the EC said it “accepts the recommendations of the Panel and will progressively implement the recommendations made therein.”According to the Commission:

The Panel finds the arguments for a new register unconvincing and therefore does not recommend the replacement of the current voters’ register;
The Panel is of the view that the responsibility for having a clean and credible register is the shared responsibility of all citizens of Ghana;
The Electoral Commission accepts the recommendations of the Panel and will progressively implement the recommendations made therein;
The Electoral Commission will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that a clean and credible voters’ register is in place for the 2016 general elections through an inclusive and collaborative audit process;
The Commission will publish the full report of the Panel on its website- http://www.ec.gov.gh by 7th January 2016 for the benefit of the public.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the pro-opposition pressure group Let My Vote Count Alliance had called on the EC to compile a new voters’ register for the nation before the 2016 general elections.

They argued that the current register is flawed with names of foreigners and minors.

The EC subsequently set up a five-member panel chaired by former Supreme Court Justice, V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe to hold a two-day public hearing.

The Commission further stated that it has examined all the allegations and complaints made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the voters’ register and has responded appropriately to the party, adding that “a copy of the findings of the Commission into the claims made by the NPP will also be made available to the Public on the Commission’s website.”

“The Commission reiterates its commitment to ensuring transparent, inclusive and credible general elections in 2016 and to ensuring democratic growth and stability in Ghana and takes the opportunity to wish all citizens of Ghana a blessed, peaceful and prosperous 2016,” the statement added.