EC Says No To New Voters’ Register

The Electoral Commission of Ghana will not kowtow to pressure from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to use a new voters’ register for the 2016 elections.

According to the EC, the Independent Panel it set up to look into the concerns of stakeholders on the Voters’ Register shot down the idea hence it “accepts the recommendations.”

“The Electoral Commission will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that a clean and credible voters’ register is in place for the 2016 general elections through an inclusive and collaborative audit process,” a statement from the EC said.

Below is the EC’s full statement

The Electoral Commission is pleased to inform the general public that it has received the report submitted by the Independent Panel set up by the Commission and tasked to look into the concerns and views of stakeholders on the Voters’ Register. Following the receipt of the report on December 21, 2015, the Commission has concluded its study of the report submitted by the Panel and wishes to advise the public as follows:

1. The Panel finds the arguments for a new register unconvincing and therefore does not recommend the replacement of the current voters’ register;

2. The Panel is of the view that the responsibility for having a clean and credible register is the shared responsibility of all citizens of Ghana;

3. The Electoral Commission accepts the recommendations of the Panel and will progressively implement the recommendations made therein;

4. The Electoral Commission will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that a clean and credible voters’ register is in place for the 2016 general elections through an inclusive and
collaborative audit process;

5. The Commission will publish the full report of the Panel on its website- www.ec.gov.gh by 7th January 2016 for the benefit of the public.

The Commission further wishes to inform the public that it has examined all the allegations and complaints made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the voters’ register and has responded appropriately to the party. A copy of the findings of the Commission into the claims made by the NPP will also be made available to the Public on the Commission’s website.

The Commission takes the opportunity to thank the members of the Panel led by His Lordship VCRAC Crabbe, the Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations, Faith Based Organizations and all stakeholders for the support and cooperation shown to the Commission during the engagements on the Voters’ Register.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to ensuring transparent, inclusive and credible general elections in 2016 and to ensuring democratic growth and stability in Ghana and takes the opportunity to wish all citizens of Ghana a blessed, peaceful and prosperous 2016.

SIGNED

CHRISTIAN OWUSU-PARRY

ACTING DIRECTOR,
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Source: Starrfmonline