Tag Archives: EC

News, Politics

Clean voters register before it’s too late – Mahama warns EC

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Flag bearer of the NDC, former president John Mahama has sent a strong caution to the Electoral Commission (EC) to open up to stakeholders and address anomalies identified in the voters register before it’s too late

According to Mr. Mahama, this election is crucial and the NDC, like the millions of Ghanaians, yearning for change will not tolerate any action that can disenfranchise them or compromise the results of the polls.

John Mahama’s concern follows discrepancies identified during the voter register exhibition which includes illegal transfers without the consent of voters, missing names and wrong allocation of polling stations.

The former President, who was addressing a mini durbar of chiefs and people at Adjen Kotoku in the Amasaman Constituency during his two-day tour of the Greater Accra region, warned of potential chaos should Ghanaians who have right to vote cannot find their names in the register or have to move from one polling station to the other to find his or her name.

“I am sorry to say there is a lot wrong with that register. The EC has to sit up so that we don’t have any confusion on election Day. The EC is an important institution in us having peaceful elections in this country. You better wake up, you are not doing your job properly,” he fumed

The NDC leader said he is particularly disturbed about those who have had multiple registration yet the EC failed to fish them out.

“A lot of people cannot find their names. Others have their names transferred without their knowledge. People have registered for proxy without using the biometric cards. People who have done multiple registration, their names are still on the register ” he lamented.

The NDC on Tuesday, 27th August, 2024 wrote to the EC requesting an emergency inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to address the concerns after noticing same during the voter exhibition exercise which began on August 21 and ended on August 27,2024.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Politics

EC finally releases provisional voter register to political parties after intense pressure

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has finally released copies of the provisional voter register to political parties.

This follows intense pressure by political parties led by the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other stakeholders, barely 24 hours before the commencement of the voter register exhibition exercise which begins on Tuesday, August 20 to 27, 2024.

The Commission, which had earlier promised to release the data last Friday, 16th August, 2024 did not explain what informed the delay, a development which has fuelled suspicion, especially after anomalies were detected with collation figures during the voter registration exercise.

However, at a press conference held at the EC headquarters on Monday, the Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bossman Asare, argued that the Commission is still within its scheduled timeframe for delivering the provisional register to political parties.

“We have heard in sections of the media that the commission has not given the provisional voter register to the political parties after informing the parties to bring their external drives. We want to place on record that per Regulation 22 of CI 31 as amended by CI 126, the commission is required to give the provisional register to the political parties not later than three months from the end of the registration period, ” he explained.

Dr Asare confirmed that NDC has collected its external drive containing the provisional voters register and other parties will also be served.

Background

It will be recalled that the NDC, as far back as July applied to the EC for copies of the provisional register for scrutiny ahead of the exhibition exercise which will commence on Tuesday, August 20 and conclude on August 27, 2024.

The EC however wrote to the NDC on July 18, 2024, requesting for an external drive (2 terabytes) for the PVR to be loaded, but delayed the release till the NDC and other political parties stormed the EC premises today.

Earlier, NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia called for the postponement of the voter register exhibition if the EC cannot release copies of the register to stakeholders.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Politics

Don’t try anything funny else we’ll face you squarely – Pablo warns EC, Police

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National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress, George Opare Addo has served notice the youth will resist any attempt to subvert their will.

George Opare Addo who directed his caution to the Electoral Commission said no attempts should be made on election day to mar the process.

“Woe to anyone, born of a woman who will go to the polling station and do anything untoward, we will face them squarely” he warned.

He assured that the youth were ready to take their destinies into their own hands regardless the outcome.

“We protected the ballot in Assin North and we’ll protect the ballot at the peril of our lives on 7th December” he assured.

“We are urging all of you to mobilise yourself and come and volunteer and come and fight for the salvation of our country and on 7th December let’s deliver a resounding victory to to John Mahama, Prof Naana Opoku Agyeman, Asiedu Nketia but to you as a Ghana because the future belongs to you” he charged.

George Opare Addo further served notice to the Inspector General of Police and the Police administration, to stop the secret recruitments into the service else the NDC may be forced to besiege such centers.

“To the police IGP, we are aware of the secret recruitment that is on going and I am telling the police force as the leader of the biggest political party that if they continue, we will mobile young people to where they are recruiting because every Ghanaian is entitled to be recruited into the police service” he stressed.

News, Politics, Topstory

CHRAJ to investigate EC following IMANI’s petition

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The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has accepted to investigate the Electoral Commission’s (EC) conduct in the retirement and disposal of some election-related equipment.

This follows a petition from IMANI Ghana after citizens expressed grave concerns over the EC’s handling of the nation’s scarce resources in the discharge of its duties.

In response, CHRAJ has asked IMANI to provide it with information relating to the allegations to assist with investigations.

“Kindly make the said information available to the Commission within ten days upon receipt of this letter to allow for expeditious investigations,” portions of the statement read.

Read full statement below:

 

 

News, Politics

2024 Special voting to be held on December 2

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The Electoral Commission has announced that its special voting session will be held  on December 2, 2024, ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 7.

Special voting is a provision for a specific group of registered voters, including journalists and security agencies, allowing them to cast their votes before the general voting day.

To be eligible for special voting, individuals and organizations must submit applications between June 17 and July 1, 2024, providing evidence that they will be engaged on Election Day.

Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, made this announcement during a press conference in Accra on Tuesday.

“All applicants for special voting should apply directly to the returning officer of the constituency where the applicant is a registered voter. Members of institutions who desire to apply as a group will submit a list of their members to the returning officers to serve as a register to facilitate the process,” she explained.
“The list must contain the names of each applicant, the voter ID card, the polling station code as it appears on the voter’s ID card of the applicants…Please note that all applicants must apply in person to the returning officer,” she stated.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
News, Topstory

‘You’re very incompetent’ – Chris Dugan blasts EC Boss over delays during voter registration exercise

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A member of the communications team of the NDC, Chris Dugan has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of deliberately delaying the voter registration exercise in the strongholds of the opposition party in some parts of the country.

The electoral management body commenced the exercise for new voters today, May 7, 2024 but not without challenges that delayed the process and generated long queues at the registration centres.

In Ashaiman, for instance, XYZ reporter Alber Cheetam reported that only 3 voter ID cards had been printed by mid-day due to network challenges. In the Weija Gbawe constituency, no person had been registered by 1pm due to technical callenges.

Reports from Sefwi Wiawso, Kasoa, Kpassa, and Upper East East indicated that the processes had halted because of network challenges.

Registration for first-time voters could not begin at the former head office of the Electoral Commission (EC) at North in Accra until after mid-day. The delay, just like other parts of the country, was attributed to technical difficulties.

Jean Mensa, EC Chairperson

But the NDC communicator who was speaking on Inside Politics programme on TV XYZ intimated that the delay was orchestrated by the Jean mensa-led EC in some strongholds of the NDC just to discourage eligible persons from taking part in the exercise.

Chris Dugan told host Mugabe Maase in Akan  that “The EC deliberartely stifled the process to discourage our people from registering for their cards.”

According to him, some bigwigs from the governing New Patritic Party (NPP) had collaborated with the EC to cause that challenges while the exercise was fairly successful in their strongholds.

“How do you begin such a crucial exercise without checking the efficiency of your machines?” he quizzed and added that the EC Boss, Jean Mensa, has always created confusion in any election related activity she has handled due to her incompetence.

He went to caution the EC chairperson that the NDc will not sit aloof for her to create chaos with her attitude, stressing that they will monitor every move she makes and expose any of her ulterior motives that will mar the integrity of the office she occupies.

“This Electoral Commission believes they will decide who will lead the country. Hell no…the Electoral Commission has become an evil commission with these tactics,” he stated.

“This is a machinery they are using to rig the elections. But Bawumia whom they want to rig the elections for cannot be a president.”

The limited registration for first-time voters takes place Today, 7th – 27th May 2024.

Replacement of lost ID cards takes place on 30th May.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

 

News, Politics

CODEO deploys 195 observers nationwide to monitor limited voter registration exercise

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The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has indicated its preparedness to participate in the Limited Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) Exercise, with a trained team of 195 observers ready for deployment.

The National Coordinator for CODEO, Mr Albert Kofi Arhin, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to promoting public confidence and trust in the electoral process.

In a statement issued on Monday, 6 May 2024, Mr. Arhin emphasised the significance of CODEO’s observation efforts, stating: “CODEO’s observation of the 2024 BVR is in line with its objective to promote transparency, public confidence and trust in the electoral process.”

Preparedness is paramount for CODEO, as all 195 observers underwent comprehensive training before deployment.

Mr. Arhin affirmed: “All 195 observers received training before their deployment to ensure professional conduct at the registration centres and the delivery of quality reports to CODEO’s data centre throughout the registration period.”

Moreover, Mr. Arhin urged eligible voters, particularly first-time registrants, to actively participate in the registration exercise, emphasising its pivotal role in shaping the 2024 general elections.

He called upon all stakeholders, including political party leaders and supporters, to adhere strictly to established procedures and refrain from actions that could compromise the credibility of the registration process.

In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability, CODEO has pledged to share observation reports with the public periodically during the exercise.

This commitment to openness is reinforced by collaborative support from the Embassy of the Netherlands and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS) mechanism.

Today, Tuesday, 7 May 2024, marks the commencement of a 21-day limited voter registration exercise being organised by the Electoral Commission (EC) across the nation.

The exercise will be targeting first-time voters and individuals seeking to obtain a voter card.

Running from today to Monday, 27 May 2024, the exercise aims to register approximately 623,000 new voters, as disclosed by Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa

News

We saved Ghana $19m in 2020 elections – EC

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it has achieved a significant landmark regarding its procurement process and the resulting cost savings in election spending. 

According to the commission, it has been able to reduce the cost per head in the election from $13 in 2016 to $7 in 2020, thereby saving the country a substantial amount of $19 million. 

In a press statement on May 6, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, highlighted the commission’s efforts in enhancing efficiency and transparency over the past few years.

Since 2020, the EC said, it has implemented an open competitive bidding process for its procurements, with approximately 95% of procurements advertised in local newspapers. 

This approach, according to Jean Mensa, has not only ensured value for money in services and materials but has also introduced significant competition, leading to a drastic reduction in procurement costs.

“… As such with approximately 95% of our procurement advertised in the local newspapers we can obtain value for money for our services and materials. It has equally ejected competition to our procurement drastically reducing the prices at which we procure our material.

“It is not a wonder that we managed to lower the cost of our election from $13 per head in 2016 to $7.7 per head in 2020 and saved our nation a substantial amount of $19 million,” she stated.  

 

Citinewsroom.com

News, Politics, Topstory

Ejisu by-election: Two EC officials captured allegedly receiving bribe removed

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has taken action by withdrawing two of its temporary staff members after a video surfaced allegedly showing them receiving what appears to be a bribe.

The viral video depicts an unidentified individual placing a white envelope on the table in front of the EC officials during the Ejisu by-election.

In a statement, the commission reaffirmed its dedication to upholding core principles of integrity, truth, and transparency.

The two staff members have been withdrawn pending an investigation into the incident.

“The Electoral Commission has taken immediate steps and has withdrawn the two (2) temporary staff while investigations take place.

“The commission upholds the principles and values of integrity, truth and transparency. These values are reinforced during the training of all temporary staff.

“The commission will not countenance acts which cast a slur on the integrity of the institutions and will not hesitate to sanction its officials who violate its laws” the commission stated.  

 

Source: Cities News

News, Politics

EC must Provide names of staff arrested over theft of BVRs – Asiedu Nketia

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The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has challenged the Electoral Commission (EC) to publish names of its staff who have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of five Biometric Verification Registration (BVR) devices.

The election management body, after series of denial, recently confirmed that some of its BVRs had been stolen from its stores, raising eyebrows in the country. As the main opposition NDC mounted pressure on the EC to find the equipment, the Commission reported that some staff had been interdicted in connection with the stolen BVRs.

Earler this week, the Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Dr Serebour Quaicoe, told new men that the Commission had handed over some 5 individuals suspected to be involved in the alleged theft of the BVR devices to the police.

Speaking to JoyNews on April 13, Dr Quaicoe disclosed the police began investigating the matter about a month ago when the electoral body officially noticed the BVRs were missing.

“So they have been interdicted and they are now going through the security investigation. I am told that they will be arraigned before court soon. If they are found guilty, the law should deal with them,” he said while urging Ghanaians that there was no cause for alarm about the missing BVRs since they have not been activated.

But in a reaction to the development, Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman of the NDC cast doubt over the assertions of Dr Quaicoe and urged the EC to publish the names of the staff who had been handed over to the police.

Speaking on Inside Politics on TV XYZ, Asiedu Nketia also known as General Mosquito quizzed: “Who are those people who have been arrested? have they published anyone’s name? Don’t they have names? Why have they not been exposed?”

“The persons who have stolen the equipment can register people elesewhere into the ECs database. We have seen NPP affiliated persons taken peoples’ Ghana card outside Ghana elsewhere. Tell us those you have apprehended,” he said in Akan.

 

Concerns

Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisation CARE Ghana has cautioned that the missing biometric verification devices (BVDs) belonging to the Electoral Commission (EC) can negatively affect the integrity of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The Executive Director of CARE Ghana, David Kumi Addo, who spoke on TV XYZ evening news posited that the stolen devices can be used to disrupt the upcoming limited registration exercise to be conducted by the EC and the December 7 elections if the electoral management body fails to find the kits.

“This is a national issue and I think all Ghanaians must be interested in this matter,” Kumi Addo told Oheneba Boamah Bennie.

“These devices can be used to delete the data of the EC, transfer voters from one constituency to the other and cause confusion on election day,” he added.

 

By: Henryson Okrah /Myxyzonline.com

News, Politics, Topstory

Why conduct by-election at Ejisu and ignore Guan constituency? – Mosquito tackles EC

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The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia is wondering why the Electoral Commission (EC) is preparing to conduct a by-election at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region while the residents of Guan in the Oti Region have been without a representative in Parliament since 2020.

The people in the Guan District made up of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lipke and Lolobi (SALL)  did not partake in the December 7, 2020, parliamentary election, but only voted in the presidential election.

This was after an announcement by the EC on December 6, 2020 not to partake in the parliamentary elections of Hohoe since the creation of the new regions had taken them away from the constituency.

They have been without a legislator since 2021 yet the EC has not made a by-election for them to get a representation in Parliament.

Following the death of the MP for Ejisu, John Kumah, who was also a Deputy Minister for Finance, the EC will hold by-election in Ejisu on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for the by-election to elect a new MP some 8 months before the country goes to polls.

However, speaking to Mugabe Maase on Inside Politics on TV XYZ, the Chairman of the NDC, Asiedu Nketia said he did not understand why the EC failed to organise election for the people of Guan to elect a legislator.

“There is a by-election to be held in Ejisu following the demise of their MP. We will vote this year but what I am finding difficult to accept is the fact that the Electoral Commission has failed to do same for the people of Guan for almost 4 years,” stated Mr Nketia affectionately called General Mosquito.

“An  Instrument has been sent to Parliament which has successfully created the Guan Constituency, comprising Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi so why don’t they organise a by-election to get them a Member of Parliament?,” he quizzed.

He said the people in that part of the country have not been treated fairly by the EC.

Ejisu Primary

Meanwhile, a private legal practitioner, Kwabena Boateng, has been elected as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ejisu after a primary was held on April 13.

He beat eight other persons including former Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi to become the NPP’s parliamentary candidate ahead of the by-election.

The others were Dr Evans Duah, Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Helena Mensah, Jacqueline Abena Pokua Amoah-Boaitey, Portia Baffoe Abronye, Aaron Prince Duah and Yaa Gyamera Aboagye.

According to the Electoral Commission, Kwabena Boateng secured 394 votes out of a total of 1033 valid votes cast.

His closest competitor, Madam Helena Mensah, had 302 votes. Meanwhile, Yaa Gyamera Aboagye got 229 votes and former GFA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi had only 35 of the votes cast.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

 

News, Politics

2024 Elections Agenda: EC holds IPAC meeting today

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The Electoral Commission (EC) is scheduled to hold an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting today.

The, objective is to address outstanding issues ahead of the December 7 general elections, particularly the just released electoral calendar, which is already drawing some protests.
The governing New Patriotic Party, NPP and the National Democratic Congress, NDC have both raised reservations.

According to them, they were not consulted for any input and are yet to receive official communication regarding the calendar.

According to the Director of Research and Elections of the NPP, Evans Nimako, all what they know is the formal invitation for an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“The NPP has not received any official communication from the EC concerning the programme of activities for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.” Evans Nimako explained.

The NDC which has been chasing the EC to release the electoral timetable is equally worried.
The NDC describes the public disclosure of the timetable without any input from political parties are problematic.

The party’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, describes the approach, unconventional and undermines Commission’s reputation.
“What has been published in the Daily Graphic is not a document for stakeholders to consider because the EC must, within the competent discharge of their responsibilities and good faith, sign a document under either the letterhead or the logo and communicate it to the parties.”he explained in a radio interview.

“Political parties do not accept correspondence from the EC through publications, and what is even more shameful for them is to come back and say they did not leak it. This is the same way they will leak the 2024 general elections.”

EC PROPOSED TIMETABLE

According to the Electoral Commission’s timetable, published by the Daily Graphic newspaper, public education ahead of mass voter registration begins from April 1, 2024 to May 26. The voter registration exercise is to take place from May 7 to May 27, 2024 to be followed submission of provisional voters’ register to political parties; exhibition of voters register to take place between July 9 to 18; Exhibition of voter register is scheduled for July 15 and 24.

The Commission also plans to begin replacement of missing voter ID cards from May 30 nationwide. Presentation of nomination forms shall take place between September 9 to 13, 2024 and the balloting for the Presidential candidates shall take place on September 23, Parliamentary balloting – September 24 while December 2 has been slated for Special Voting.

The Commission hopes to announce final results for both Presidential and Parliamentary elections within three days.