Time for compilation of new register has passed - Brogya Genfi

A member of the Communication team of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Brogya Genfi, has indicated that the Electoral Commission (EC) has exceeded its right to do a new register for the 2020 elections.

According to him, going by convention, the EC should have compiled a new voters’ register for the next election by May 5, 2020.

“The time allocated for the EC to compile a new register for the 2020 elections has elapsed. There is no other time for the Commission to conduct new registration. This is a convention which has been there for a long time in this country.

“When the country (EC) was compiling a new register for the 2012 elections, by May 5, 2012, EC was done with the registration and today is 4th May, 2020; thus if I ask you to tell me when the EC will complete with writing the registration of eligible voters, you will not be able to tell me,” he stressed.

Speaking in an interview with Kwame Nkrumah Tikesie on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' show, he pointed out any attempt to contravene or bypass laid down procedures could result in a calamitous situation.

“ . . we are now on a very slippery road and if care is not taken, we might fall as a nation . . . "

“The EC should not delude itself into thinking they, at any moment in time, organize the registration of Ghanaians in this country, . . . their activities and operations are always time-bound and guided by convention . . . if we allow the EC to do as it pleases, the possibility of conducting a shoddy exercise and the likely repercussions for this country are unimaginable," he added.

He therefore suggested that the electoral body works on the existing voter’s register and perfect the register for the general elections this year.

"They (EC) should work on the existing voters’ register which was used for the assembly elections and referendum and then perfect it for the 2020 general elections. This will satisfy everyone as Ghanaians will have their peaceful mind and clear conscience and know the direction of the Electoral Commission for the 2020 general elections,” he suggested.