The Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress, ,Godwin Ako Gun has stated that the party’s proposal to employ and introduce drone services aims to capture evidence that could support any electoral violence associated with elections. Ako Gun highlighted the challenges of providing evidence to support cases of electoral violence in past elections, which often resulted in trials without sufficient evidence, especially in high-profile cases involving death and personal attacks.
Speaking on the Simpieso political talk show on Ahotor 92.3 FM in Accra, hosted by Emmanuel Amartey (Alask De Don), Ako Gun emphasized that the NDC, being a major stakeholder in the December elections, has commenced training individuals on drone operation to monitor voting activities and ballot accounting post-election. He asserted that the deployment of drone technology aims to enhance the electoral management system and effectively capture any instances of electoral violence, which could sometimes be sponsored by political parties.
In a related development, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), announced a strategic move to deploy drones for monitoring the December general elections in the region.
The primary objective behind this initiative, according to Moore, is to ensure the security of over two million votes for the party and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent potential irregularities.
With a targeted goal of securing over two million votes in the region, the NDC considers this initiative pivotal in shaping the election’s outcome.
Moore revealed that comprehensive plans are already underway, including the training of personnel tasked with operating the drones. While specifics regarding the deployment remain undisclosed, Moore stressed the party’s commitment to securing all necessary resources for a smooth electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed concern over a leaked strategy by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra region to deploy drones during the upcoming general election.
The EC emphasized that such a move would constitute an invasion of voters’ electoral privacy and a breach of security protocols, therefore, it will not be allowed.
The EC’s comments came after Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore clarified that the deployment of drones is part of efforts to secure two million votes for the party in this year’s elections.
Moore stated that the aim is to strengthen the NDC’s monitoring systems to prevent potential rigging, adding that preparations were well underway to commence the training of constituency executives on how to use the drones to monitor ground activities.
Dr. Quaicoe questioned the feasibility of allowing such actions, highlighting concerns about voter privacy and the sanctity of the ballot. He emphasized that polling stations are security zones, requiring permission from security agencies and the Electoral Commission for any such deployment.
By AYM Kukah
