The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for what it calls substandard conduct and a lack of transparency in handling the final certified voter register for the upcoming December 7, 2024 elections.
The party’s Deputy Director of Elections in charge of IT, Dr. Rashid Tanko, voiced these concerns during an appearance on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Dr. Tanko described the communication from the EC regarding the certified voter register as “baseless” and lacking “substance.” He emphasized that the commission has failed to provide detailed statistics on the final register, making it difficult for the public to assess its accuracy and credibility.
“The EC cannot even account for the basic statistics of the certified register. How can they assure the public of a credible election process when they themselves are unclear on the details of the register?” Dr. Tanko questioned.
The NDC has expressed disappointment with the EC’s management of the voter register, specifically with regard to the lack of transparency in its compilation and the failure to provide clear statistical components of the final list.
Despite these concerns, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa has repeatedly assured the public that the final voter register is ready and fully prepared for the 2024 election, stressing that all outstanding issues have been resolved.
However, during a recent address to party representatives in Accra, Mensa said she was confident the register was now complete, and any previous concerns had been addressed.
But the NDC remains sceptical. Dr. Tanko pointed out several areas of the register that he believes remain problematic. One major concern is that the EC presented the final register without accompanying statistics, which Dr. Tanko argued are essential for transparency and accountability.
“They brought the register, but they didn’t even have the statistics. We raised objections to that. They simply don’t have the figures. The right thing to do would be to provide us with those statistics,” Dr. Tanko said.
He further criticized the EC for its lack of preparedness, adding that the commission’s officials had retreated to their offices to work on the document, suggesting they were not ready with the final version.
“As of now, they have all retreated to their offices, working on the document. If they had the statistics ready, they would have shared it by now,” Dr. Tanko remarked.
The NDC’s concerns highlight ongoing tensions between the opposition party and the Electoral Commission, raising questions about the transparency of the election process as the country prepares for the December 2024 general elections
Story by: Alexander Kukah
