Elections 2012: Media can't take part in Early Voting - EC

Mrs. Sylvia Annor, Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission has indicated that there will be no early voting for the media for election 2012.

Most often the media takes part in an early voting before December 7th to enable them discharge their duties perfectly during the electioneering processes as well as coalition of figures.

However, speaking in an interview on Peace FM, Madam Sylvia Annor said the tables have turned.

“There are several changes in the electioneering processes. The new law being used, CI 72 indicates that anybody who wants to take part in the early voting, you must work with the electoral commission or security personnel who will be busy on the Election Day. Even that you have to write an application to the EC 42 days before elections…” she asserted.

According to Madam Sylvia Annor, the only way out for journalists is to wake up early to cast their votes on December 7th to avoid the long queues, knowing that they (journalists) have to cover the elections.

“We have no choice than to abide by what the law says and so what can be done is for the media to strategize and plan in such a way that they can wake up early and vote on December 7th to avoid any long queues. Once you know you will be covering the election and you are not part of the early voters then it’s a matter of strategizing…” she added.