Rev. Christian Kwabena Andrews, the Founder of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), has criticized the Electoral Commission’s approach to the voter registration process.
He believes that conducting registration only at District Offices is inappropriate. This decision may discourage people from registering and hinder their ability to vote, especially for those facing barriers such as distance and transportation, particularly in rural areas.
Rev. Andrews also suggests that not only the EC but also the government should be held accountable for this, given the limited financial support provided.
He suggests that if the Ghana card (NIA) registration had been efficient, the current situation might have been avoidable. He aligns himself with the NDC and other organizations opposing the EC’s actions under the leadership of Jean Adukwei Mensa.
The Commission last week announced the commencement of limited voter registration for eligible Ghanaians who turned 18 years after the 2020 registration exercise and other eligible voters from September 12, 2023, to October 2, 2023.
Seven political parties in the country on August 21 were unhappy with the decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to restrict the upcoming voter registration exercise to its district offices.
According to the political parties, such a move would disenfranchise a number of Ghanaians who have attained the voting age.
They want the commission to instead open up the process for the exercise to be conducted at the electoral areas.
The seven political parties have thus promised not to rest until the EC registers every eligible Ghanaian who has attained the voting age.
According to the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, the exercise would be held at all the 268 district offices of the EC across the country.
Story by: Grace Oguaah / Ahotoronline.com
