The ongoing tension between the Electoral Commission and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is unnecessary and disruptive. The NDC’s call for transparency through the provision of Biometric Voter Devices (BVD) numbers and serial numbers aims to ensure the integrity and fairness of elections. However, the Electoral Commission’s reluctance to fulfill this demand only exacerbates the situation.
In a recent interview on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Fraud Prevention Expert and Security Consultant Richard Kumadoe expressed disappointment in the EC’s failure to create a conducive atmosphere for credible and fair elections. Kumadoe stressed that trust, integrity, and fairness are paramount in national elections, urging the Electoral Commission to cooperate with the NDC’s requests to safeguard the credibility of electoral outcomes.
Kumadoe emphasized the importance of data and serial numbers in ensuring transparency in electoral processes, urging the Electoral Commission to provide this information promptly to prevent any disturbances or doubts regarding their work.
In another development, Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, accused the Electoral Commission of dishonesty and evasion regarding the missing BVR and BVD components. Tanko-Computer argued that the EC’s refusal to disclose the serial numbers of the stolen equipment only adds to suspicions surrounding the incident.
The EC’s Director of Public Affairs cited security concerns as the reason for withholding the serial numbers, stating that their release could pose a risk to the electoral process. However, Tanko-Computer countered this claim, asserting that the serial numbers are crucial for tracking the missing equipment and ensuring the integrity of voter registration.
Tanko-Computer further criticized the EC’s handling of the situation, alleging that the theft occurred at the heavily guarded EC headquarters, not in North Tongu as previously suggested. He highlighted the potential consequences of the stolen equipment, including the possibility of unauthorized registration and manipulation of voter data.
In light of these developments, there is a pressing need for transparency and cooperation between the Electoral Commission and political parties to uphold the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system. Failure to address these concerns could undermine public trust in the electoral process and lead to further disputes.
