Make poll roll available early - IEA tells EC

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has suggested the Electoral Commission (EC) make the voters’ register available to stakeholders, at least, three months to the November elections in order to ensure the credibility of the register and the polls.

The EC is under pressure to rid the register of minors, foreigners, and deceased persons, following a recent Supreme Court ruling ordering it to carry out such an exercise.

Some have argued that the commission is behind time with its activities to conduct a free and fair election.

However, Executive Director of the IEA, Jean Mensa, speaking to Class News, believed it was not late to ensure a credible register.

“I honestly believe that we should be able to have a register six months to the election. Unfortunately, this will not work. It’s been unfortunate that we have held on for a long time since 2012 to take up issues of the register,” she stated.

“If we had worked on the register after the Supreme Court verdict, we would not be in the position we have found ourselves in, but I believe if the EC is able to make the register available to parties and the general public three months before the election, it should be good time to allow a thorough scrutiny. After all, it is the basis for which a credible election will be held and I believe that if the issues are not resolved, then it will affect the credibility of the elections.”

Mrs Mensa said it was important for the EC to clearly take steps to clean the register.