NDC calls for the extension of voter registration

Accra, May 16, GNA - The General-Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Hudu Yahaya on Tuesday called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to extend the revision of the voters' register to enable all eligible Ghanaians to register.

Speaking to newsmen in Accra, he reminded the EC that the exercise is meant to afford every eligible voter the opportunity to exercise his or her democratic right. He said much as the EC insists on keeping to deadlines, it is worth considering that citizens who reside in the "overseas areas" in the Upper West Region, where registration forms could not get to early, could not be dis-enfranchised through no fault of theirs.

"We would like to reiterate our conviction that it is the right of every adult Ghanaian to exercise his or her franchise and, therefore, call on the EC to rescind its decision not to extend the voter registration exercise.

The 10-day revision of the electoral roll ended on Monday with the EC saying that it would not be extended despite appeals from individuals, organisations and churches.

Alhaji Yahaya said "even if the period cannot be extended for the entire nation, it should be possible for it to be extended for those in inaccessible area". He observed that the exercise had been fraught with issues such as inadequate registration materials, which made it impossible for many anxious people to register within the time limit.

The performance of some of the registration officials and assistants also left much to be desired as they played this national assignment on the altar of partisanship, Alhaji yahaya said.

"The voter registration exercise is an important national duty and how effectively it is played shall be a foretaste of the general outcome of the general elections in December 2000."

Alhaji Yahaya stated that reports reaching the NDC Headquarters from party agents have revealed other lapses that affected the performance of the exercise generally.

The NDC has alleged that New Patriotic Party (NPP) activists were involved in irregularities during the revision of the voters' register in the Ablekuma North and Central constituencies.

It also alleged that registration officers of the Electoral Commission (EC) in the two areas aided NPP activists. He called on the EC to expedite action to investigate all allegations of anomalies and irregularities in the registration exercise and deal with them.