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Ghana’s Electoral Commission has served notice it will go ahead with the compilation of a new voter’s register despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press statement, the EC said it will adhere to all safety protocols when the time comes for it to conduct the exercise.
“As stated Article 46 of the 1992 Constitution, the EC would like to reiterate that it shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions, except as provided for in the Constitution or any other law consistent with it.
“All stakeholders are hereby reminded that plans are far advanced for the compilation of a new Voters Register with a new Voter Management System for the upcoming 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. The Commission is, however, sensitive to the current state of affairs due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and will abide by the necessary precautions and safety Protocols in the execution of its mandate when it deems it appropriate to begin the compilation of the register,” the electoral management body said in a statement.
The Electoral Commission has also cautioned the general public to “disregard any fictitious election timetable and other letters circulating on social media purporting to have emanated from the Commission”.
Below is the full statement:
EC RESPONDS TO THE MINORITY LEADER’S ACCUSATIONS
The Electoral Commission has noted with grave concern, comments made by the Minority Leader, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, during a press conference held on 7th May, 2020 that sought to attack the integrity and mandate of Electoral Commission as well as the creation of an erroneous impression in the minds of the general public on its attitude as far as the COVID – 19 Pandemic is concerned
Hon Haruna Iddrisu is reported to have registered the displeasure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the management of the COVID- 19 Pandemic by the Commission in the performance of its official duties, as well as its unchanged stance to compile a new Voters, Register with a new Voter Management System
The Commission has not stated anywhere that it has received Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE) from the government as stated by the Minority leader during the press conference. For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has not received any protective equipment from the government. The Commission finds it troubling that the Leader of the Minority Party in Parliament to put out information of this nature without substantiating its authenticity.
The EC would like to state that since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, it has taken concrete steps in adhering to the rules and regulations regarding the protocols spelt out by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health and therefore has not violated any safety protocols the discharge of its duties
The Commission takes collective decisions on all electoral processes in conformity with the country’s republican constitution, it is therefore equally worrying that a statement will be made to suggest otherwise with the ultimate goal of tarnishing the image of key officials of the Commission
As stated Article 46 of the 1992 Constitution, the EC would like to reiterate that it shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions, except as provided for in the Constitution or any other law consistent with it.
All stakeholders are hereby reminded that plans are far advanced for the compilation of a new Voters Register with a new Voter Management System for the upcoming 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. The Commission is, however, sensitive to the Current state of affairs due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and will abide by the necessary precautions and safety Protocols in the execution of its mandate when it deems it appropriate to begin the compilation of the register
The general public is being cautioned to disregard any fictitious election timetable and other letters circulating on social media purporting to have emanated from the Commission. The Commission wishes to call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to cooperate with it for the success of the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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