630,000 Eligible Individuals Targeted as Limited Voter Registration Commences Today

The limited voter registration process commenced today across the nation with the primary objective of enrolling 623,000 eligible individuals onto the electoral roll. This initiative spans a period of 21 days and is specifically aimed at those who have reached voting age and individuals who have not previously registered. To facilitate this endeavor, a network of 1,053 registration centers has been established, comprising 268 district offices of the Electoral Commission (EC) along with 785 additional centers strategically located in remote areas in consultation with political parties. Scheduled to conclude on May 27, 2024, the registration exercise aims to provide ample opportunity for all eligible citizens to participate.

During a press briefing held in Accra, Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, underscored the commission’s commitment to registering all eligible individuals who present themselves at the designated centers, regardless of whether the number exceeds the initial target. Mensa elaborated on the rationale behind setting the target at 623,000, citing projections based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census. However, she clarified that the commission aims to register 70% of the estimated remaining 890,000 individuals who have yet to be registered.

Operating hours for the registration centers have been extended from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends, to ensure accessibility for all qualified individuals. The EC has assured the public of stringent measures in place, including rigorous recruitment processes, efficient logistics deployment, and robust security arrangements to guarantee the smooth conduct of the registration exercise.

Furthermore, the commission has appointed returning officers and deputies through transparent procedures, selecting individuals with a minimum of eight years of experience working with the EC. Any objections raised regarding the appointment of these officers will be thoroughly investigated and addressed through established procedures.

Security during the registration process will be overseen by the National Election Taskforce, led by the Inspector General of Police, with specific attention given to preventing the registration of minors. To mitigate the impact of potential power outages, all district offices have been equipped with standby generators, and an offline registration method will be implemented during such incidents.

The EC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a clean voter register, emphasizing the importance of this in facilitating a credible electoral process.