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Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has not adequately addressed all concerns surrounding the compilation of a new voters’ register, especially the timing before the 2020 election.
This concern is being raised by New Patriotic Party stalwart, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko.
While backing the decision by the EC, Mr Otchere-Darko is unconvinced about the timing.
“The EC has made a strong case (on cost and integrity) for a new register. But, for me, concerns about timing still not well addressed,” he tweeted on Saturday, January 11.
The EC has made a strong case (on cost and integrity) for a new register. But, for me, concerns about timing still not well addressed
— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) January 11, 2020
Ghana will hold a post bailout election, to elect a new president as while as Members of Parliament.
This is the only time in Ghana’s history that the main opposition party is fighting against a new voters register – to replace the one compiled under its watch.
— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) January 10, 2020
The Electoral Commission in December petitioned Parliament to approve GH¢444,846,663 for the compilation of a new voters’ register. The funds were approved by the House before it went on recess for the Christmas break.
This is the only time in Ghana’s history that the main opposition party is fighting against a new voters register – to replace the one compiled under its watch.
— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) January 10, 2020
The decision has been met with fierce opposition by some political parties including the National Democratic Congress.
The parties argue that a register which was used to conduct referendums and District Assembly elections cannot be obsolete as being described by the Commission.
“We will never agree for our democracy to be toyed with. This is the beginning of the long drawn battle to protect the democracy. We are calling on everybody to get up because peace is something that you need to struggle for and this is the beginning of the struggle for peace in this country. From here, we will be moving to Kumasi, we will move to Accra and we will move to the presidency. Whatever it takes to pump a little bit of sense into the head of Jean Mensa and her cabal, we will do it,” said the General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah at a protest held in Tamale.
By Jonathan Ofori, Daily Mail GH
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
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