The Electoral Commission (EC) is under scrutiny for its handling of public communications and its credibility is being questioned by the public. Concerns have arisen over the EC’s transparency and accuracy, particularly in light of the irregularities reported in the 2020 election results, which have cast a shadow over the upcoming 2024 elections.
Security Consultant and Fraud Expert Richard Kumadoe discussed these issues on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. Kumadoe criticized the EC for its lack of transparency and called for a forensic audit of the voter register to address identified errors and enhance credibility. He emphasized that while the exhibition of the voter register is a positive step, it does not replace the need for further scrutiny and improvements to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Kumadoe argued that the EC’s refusal to collaborate with stakeholders, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which is organizing a national demonstration to press for a forensic audit, is concerning. He urged the EC to take these calls seriously and work with all parties to maintain electoral peace and transparency.
In response, the EC has rejected the NDC’s demand for a forensic audit. During a press briefing on Thursday, Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of the EC, described the call as misguided and unnecessary. He argued that an audit would not contribute to improving the EC’s established processes for managing the provisional voter register.
Tettey explained that the EC would still be responsible for correcting any discrepancies identified in the register, regardless of whether an audit is conducted. He asserted that the commission’s tried-and-tested process for cleaning and strengthening the voter register is sufficient and that the exhibition exercise will continue to address any issues.
“The commission believes that a forensic audit will not add value to our established processes,” Tettey said. “The same commission that handles the register will also address any discrepancies found. Therefore, we view the call for an audit as misguided.”
The EC remains committed to ensuring the credibility of the voter register through its existing procedures and urges the public to trust its processes.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
