Seven political parties in Ghana have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission (EC)’s decision to confine the upcoming voter registration exercise to its district offices. They argue that this approach could potentially disenfranchise numerous Ghanaians who have reached the voting age. Instead, they are advocating for the registration process to be expanded to include electoral areas. These parties are determined to ensure that every eligible Ghanaian of voting age is registered and have pledged to take action to achieve this goal.
The EC recently announced plans to conduct a limited voter registration for individuals who turned 18 years old after the 2020 registration exercise, along with other eligible voters, from September 12, 2023, to October 2, 2023. According to EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, the registration will take place exclusively at the 268 district offices of the EC across the country.
The political parties expressing concerns about this decision include the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Convention People’s Party (CPP), People’s National Congress (PNC), All Progressives Congress (APC), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).
During a press conference held in Accra on Monday, August 21, 2023, Frederick Ato Dadzie, the General Secretary of the GCPP, emphasized that the current approach could disenfranchise eligible voters and urged the EC to explore alternative means. They proposed a system where registration occurs in electoral areas over a seven-day period, followed by a seven-day mop-up exercise at district offices. They called on the EC to reconsider its decision and make the registration process more accessible to eligible Ghanaians.
The political parties also expressed their hope that the EC would reflect on its commitment to building a credible institution that upholds Ghana’s reputation as a democratic beacon on the continent.
EC Explains Decision to Limit Voter Registration Exercise: Focus on Sanctity of Register
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