Demo won’t ensure a credible voter roll; let’s talk instead – EC urges NDC

The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to address concerns about the 2024 Voters Register through dialogue rather than street demonstrations.

At a Press Conference held on Thursday, 12 September 2024, the EC emphasised that protests are not the solution to ensuring a credible voters’ register noting it had consistently asked the NDC to provide data on the alleged discrepancies in the voters’ register.

Samuel Tettey, Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the EC, noted: “The Commission strongly believes that the surest way to attain a credible and robust register is not through demonstrations.

“We have repeatedly requested the data on discrepancies from the NDC to no avail. The best place to resolve these issues is at the discussion table.”

The EC expressed its willingness to investigate any discrepancies if the NDC provides the necessary data. “We urge them to submit details of the discrepancies they have identified to enable the Commission to investigate and demonstrate to them that their concerns have been resolved,” Mr. Tettey indicated.

The Commission also called on the flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama to encourage his party to engage in discussions, emphasising that dialogue would foster transparency and trust in the electoral process.

“We are confident that the former President will heed our calls and bring his party to the discussion table,” the EC stated.

Reassuring the public, the EC affirmed its commitment to delivering a credible voters’ register for the December 2024 General Elections and called for trust in its efforts.

As in 2020, the Commission is committed to providing a robust and credible Voters Register that will guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections,” the EC stated.

It therefore urged the NDC to avoid actions that could create unnecessary tensions and to instead work collaboratively to ensure the integrity of the 2024 elections.