The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting for Monday, September 30, 2024, in its conference room, focusing on the electoral register.
This meeting addresses ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of the voter roll as the 2024 general elections approach.
This initiative follows the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) call for a forensic audit of the Provisional Voter’s Register (PVR), which they claim has discrepancies.
The NDC’s demand for an audit was part of a petition submitted after a demonstration on September 17, 2024.
However, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa has rejected the necessity for an audit, arguing that the current legal and administrative mechanisms to address register-related issues have not been fully utilized.
In correspondence to NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the EC expressed confidence in the current electoral roll’s robustness, stating, “As a Commission, we are of the view that the existing legal and administrative processes for cleaning the PVR have not been fully exhausted to justify the call for a forensic audit.”
The EC reassured both the NDC and the public that it is actively addressing the discrepancies identified in the PVR, similar to actions taken during the 2020 general elections.
The same processes will be implemented for the upcoming elections.
To enhance transparency, the EC has invited the NDC to participate in discussions and observe the measures being taken to resolve any voter register issues.
Additionally, the EC responded to concerns about illegal vote transfers, disclosing that its District Officer in Pusiga, Upper East Region, was dismissed for facilitating 38 illegal transfers, which have since been rectified.
While the NDC requested a re-exhibition of the voter register, the EC cited time constraints but assured voters that an online version of the register will remain accessible until election day. The EC concluded by urging trust in established processes and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible election in 2024.