The missing election kits and Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) are crucial components containing election software and sophisticated programming. Their disappearance poses a significant threat to the credibility and integrity of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The lack of transparency from the Electoral Commissioner regarding the missing items is deeply concerning. Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Deputy Director of Election and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed these sentiments during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Dr. Tanko-Computer highlighted the potential misuse of the missing items by unscrupulous individuals, who could exploit them to register voters outside the official register, thus compromising the integrity of the national voter register. He echoed concerns previously raised by the Minority Leader of the NDC in parliament, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson , regarding the missing items and criticized the Electoral Commission for attempting to discredit this information through media channels, only to later acknowledge it during an IPAC meeting.
Furthermore, Dr. Tanko-Computer emphasized doubts about the credibility of the 2020 voter register’s ability to facilitate the 2024 elections, citing instances where prospective voters could not find their names during the recent District Assembly elections in 2022.
To address these concerns and restore confidence in the electoral process, Dr. Tanko-Computer advocated for a comprehensive audit of the Electoral Commission’s IT systems and the status of the BVRs under their custody.
In response to these developments, the National Democratic Congress has called for an independent investigation and an unbiased audit to uncover the circumstances surrounding the theft of the missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits. General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, stressed the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. He outlined clear demands, including a written response to critical questions posed by the NDC, an immediate and thorough investigation into the theft of the BVRs, and a comprehensive audit of the EC’s inventory and security protocols conducted by an independent auditor. These measures are essential to safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral system and restoring public trust in the electoral process.
AYM Kukah E-Mail:kukahalexander7@gmail.com
