The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated its call for a full forensic audit of the voter register, claiming that it has uncovered significant discrepancies that warrant immediate action by the Electoral Commission (EC).
According to the NDC, it has already submitted comprehensive evidence of these irregularities, which it believes compromises the integrity of the electoral roll ahead of the upcoming general elections.
The demand for a forensic audit has sparked political tensions between Ghana’s two main parties.
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) issued a stern warning, stating that it would stage nationwide protests if the EC yields to the NDC’s request.
The NPP argues that the audit call is a political tactic aimed at undermining public confidence in the electoral process, adding that it views the NDC’s claims as an attempt to manipulate the system in their favor.
However, Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, firmly defended his party’s position.
He emphasized that the evidence presented to the EC is substantial enough to trigger a forensic audit and questioned the NPP’s resistance to ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
“Our party has identified and documented irregularities in the voter register that could potentially affect the fairness of the election.
If the EC is truly committed to conducting a free and fair election, it must investigate these discrepancies,” Gbande stated.
Gbande also dismissed the NPP’s threats of protest, insisting that the demand for an audit is not a partisan issue but a matter of national interest.
He stressed that the integrity of the voter register is critical to safeguarding Ghana’s democratic principles and ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the election results.
As the 2024 general elections draw near, the standoff between the NDC and NPP over the voter register has added to growing concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
Civil society organizations and election observers are closely monitoring the situation, with many calling on the EC to take decisive steps to address the allegations of discrepancies in order to prevent any potential post-election unrest.
The coming days are expected to witness heightened political activity as both parties continue to vie for public support while pressuring the EC to respond to their respective concerns.
The outcome of this ongoing dispute could have significant implications for the upcoming elections and the overall trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
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Story by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com
