E/R registers 1.4 million people under biometric registration exercise

A total of 1.433,054 people were registered in the just ended biometric registration exercise in the Eastern Region, against the estimated figure of 1,447,149.

The Deputy Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr Osei Bonsu, disclosed this at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council meeting in Koforidua, on Friday.

He said the Kwaebibirim District recorded the highest number of registered voters with a figure of 119,427, whilst Upper Manya District recorded the lowest figure of 35,589.

Mr. Osei Bonsu described the exercise as very successful, but for a few technical hitches experienced in some areas.

He said at the moment, the district registration review committees had been established in all the 21 districts to adjudicate on the challenges leveled against some prospective voters.

Mr. Osei Bonsu attributed the success of the exercise to the collaboration of the stakeholders, especially the political parties.

He said even though the exercise was generally peaceful, it witnessed a few incidents in some areas which included assault cases, violence and frequent interferences from party activists and equipment breakdowns.

Mr .Osei Bonsu said that situation did not allow four registration centres to operate effectively leading to some loss of days, adding that, extension of the exercise would be necessary in those areas.

Mr. Osei Bonsu assured that the EC would do all it could to make this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections successful.**