The Electoral Commission (EC) has suggested that it might extend the limited voters’ registration period if necessary to accommodate all eligible citizens.
During an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, the EC’s Director of Electoral Services, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, emphasized that the decision to extend the registration period would hinge on the turnout and the number of people remaining in the queue at the end of the scheduled registration period.
This follows the Commission’s experience of internet connectivity issues and other challenges on the first day of the exercise, causing delays in various parts of the country for several hours.
“Extending the number of days for registration will depend. If at the end of the registration period, there are a lot of people in the queue, we will get to know them and address them,” he said on Tuesday.
Dr. Quaicoe clarified that while the option of extending the registration period is not completely off the table, it will depend on the circumstances at the end of the registration exercise.
He reassured the public that the EC remains committed to ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to register and participate in the electoral process.
In response, Gildfred Asiamah, the Team Lead for Election Anti-Corruption and Rule of Law at CDD-Ghana, urged the Commission to make timely decisions regarding the potential extension of the registration period.
Mr. Asiamah emphasized the importance of prompt communication with the public, noting that delaying a decision until the second day of the registration exercise may discourage some individuals from participating.