Demonstrating will only breed tension, not ensure a credible register – EC to NDC

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has urged the National Democratic Congress to refrain from demonstrating to express their concerns about the voters’ register.

The EC noted that street protests could create tension and potentially lead to unpleasant situations, without necessarily achieving the credible register the NDC seeks.

During a press briefing on September 12, 2024, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Samuel Tetteh called on NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama to consider discussions instead of protests.

“The commission strongly believes that the surest way to attain a credible and robust register is not through demonstrations. There is simply nothing to demonstrate about. This is because the commission has repeatedly requested the data on discrepancies from the NDC to no avail. We are of the view that the stance taken by the NDC will not produce a credible register.

“The commission is of the view that the best place to resolve the issues they have identified is the discussion table. We urge them to submit details of the discrepancies they have identified to enable the commission to investigate the issues and demonstrate to them that the concerns they have, have been resolved.”

He added "As indicated earlier, the EC assured the NDC during the meeting that it would conduct a thorough investigation and report on the issues they had detected within a week. Why are they refusing to submit the data to enable the EC to investigate and provide a report? The EC believes that the best way to ascertain the credibility and integrity of the 2024 voters register is the discussion table, not on the streets.

"Taking to the streets will not ensure a credible register. It will only cause tensions and suspicions which are unwarranted. We call on the former president of Ghana, John Mahama, an eminent and respected statesman of the republic, to encourage and bring his party to the table as that is the best place to address issues and ascertain the truth regarding the voters register,” he said.

This appeal follows the NDC announcement of a planned demonstration against the discrepancies in the voters’ register on September 17, 2024.



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