The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has affirmed its readiness to ensure a free and fair election in collaboration with the Electoral Commission, as highlighted during their strategic discussions at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).
The technical and IT team has committed to providing professional support in the final preparations for the December elections, particularly concerning the transfer of votes and proxy voting. Their focus includes the verification and authentication of data for prospective voters seeking to transfer their votes or use proxy voting.
Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Deputy Director of Elections overseeing IT, discussed these preparations on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Alex Nana Dogbey.
Addressing the proposal for special voters, which includes security agencies and media practitioners, it was emphasized that individuals should make themselves available at district electoral offices rather than relying on the EC to compile their names. According to CI and Regulation 23 governing these processes, no one is permitted to conduct transfers or proxy votes on behalf of another person.
This approach aims to discourage gerrymandering in parliamentary elections by ensuring adherence to legal procedures.
At the latest IPAC meeting in Accra, the EC announced measures to facilitate voting for specific groups. From July 3rd to 5th, 2024, prison inmates, students, and security personnel will be allowed to transfer their votes to their current constituencies.
Additionally, prison inmates who are not yet registered voters will have the opportunity to register during a limited voter registration exercise from August 1st to 3rd, 2024. Students seeking to transfer their votes to campus constituencies will need to present their student ID cards for verification.
However, it was clarified that students cannot transfer their votes from campus to other constituencies.
Political party agents have been granted permission to observe the transfer process at EC district offices and the 25 campuses where the recent voter registration exercise took place.
Furthermore, security personnel on special duties who cannot vote in person can apply for proxy voting from July 3rd to 5th. Political party agents will oversee the proxy process, including the biometric capture of both the original voter and their proxy.
The EC also outlined plans to compile the Special Voters List on July 6th and 7th, 2024. Security personnel whose names have been submitted for special duties must appear in uniform with their voter ID cards at EC district offices for verification.
The EC intends to review all proxy applications that did not undergo biometric capture and will report on these at the next IPAC meeting.
Finally, in preparation for the December 7th presidential and parliamentary elections, the EC has requested IT technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This collaboration underscores the EC’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.
