“IDEG Urges Electoral Commission to Address Voter Registration Challenges”

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to address the challenges and concerns raised by political parties and the public regarding the ongoing limited voter registration exercise. IDEG emphasized that resolving these issues is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the voter register ahead of the December 7 polls. In a statement titled “Upholding Peaceful and Credible Voter Registration: A Collective Responsibility,” signed by its Senior Research Fellow, Kwesi Jonah, IDEG stressed the importance of conducting a smooth and peaceful voter registration process to ensure credible elections.

Jonah highlighted the historical trend where confrontations and unresolved disputes arising from voter registration have led to election-related violence. He emphasized the need to prevent violence at all voter registration locations.

Voter registration is a constitutional right and the initial step to becoming a voter. Therefore, the limited voter registration exercise is a significant activity on the 2024 election calendar released by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

The limited voter registration exercise commenced nationwide on May 7, 2024, with a target of registering 623,000 eligible individuals onto the electoral register. This 21-day exercise targets persons who have turned 18 and those who have not previously registered to vote.

IDEG mobilized and deployed volunteers as voter educators and observers across all 16 regions of Ghana to monitor the limited voter registration exercise. Initial feedback and media reports highlighted challenges such as equipment breakdowns, network failures causing delays, isolated confrontations between political parties, and exploitation of young voters to register illegally.

Jonah urged stakeholders, including first-time voters, to avoid being exploited by politicians and their associates to engage in illegal or violent activities during the registration process. He also called on parents and guardians to educate their children about the registration process and electoral offenses. Additionally, Jonah encouraged the media to uphold impartiality and avoid disseminating fake news or disinformation that could undermine the credibility of the registration exercise.