EC suspends vote transfer exercise at Asunafo South

The Electoral Commission has suspended indefinitely the ongoing transfer of votes exercise at Asunafo South in the Brong Ahafo Region, following violence in the area.

The EC’s decision follows destruction to its equipment last week by unidentified persons who also vandalized properties at offices of the District Assembly, Health Directorate and Social Welfare.

There was chaos in parts of the constituency when supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress attacked a group of supporters of the largest opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) who had queued to have their votes transferred.

The incident left the driver of the NPP Parliamentary candidate, a former Constituency Chairman, Osei Bonsu and three others injured.

Equipment crucial to the success of the transfer of votes exercise such as server for storing data, satellite and other digital systems have all been destroyed.

According to the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission, Yusif Ayuba, the EC cannot immediately state when the conduct of the exercise will resume in the constituency.

“I’m not sure what modalities have been put in place, a report has been made to the Commission, the Commission will study the report and based on it, the commission will make a recommendation as to what next action or step we should take. An alternative provision will be made for persons who genuinely want to transfer their votes within the period that is stipulated for them to do so.”

The Electoral Commission started accepting applications for transfer of votes from one constituency to another on Friday 9th September 2016. The exercise is expected to end on Friday, 7th October 2016.