We've our own ways of retrieving serial numbers of BVRs - Asiedu Nketiah cautions EC

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned the Electoral Commission not to be the conduit for the New Patriotic Party to fulfill their 'breaking the eight' mantra, thus urging them to ensure a peaceful transfer of power come December 7.

In a radio interview with Kwame Nkrumah Tikese on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' morning program, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, noted that the loud silence and support of the ruling NPP over concerns raised about the Electoral Commission's BVRs and BVDs machines are worrying. He added that it appears the EC is working hard to enable the NPP 'break the 8' as has been their aim.

The Chairman opined that the EC's refusal to share the serial numbers of the BVRs with the party is an indication that the commission, which is supposed to be independent, is hiding something from Ghanaians.

The National Democratic Congress' request for the serial numbers of the BVRs being used in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise was refused by the Electoral Commission due to the risk factors associated with the release of the serial numbers.

The Electoral Commission, in a letter dated May 9, stated that the serial numbers, if in possession of unauthorized persons, could have major and dire implications on the integrity of the electoral process.

In reacting to the statement from the Electoral Commission, Asiedu Nketiah said, "All we are asking of the Electoral Commission is to provide us with the serial numbers of the BVRs used in the ongoing limited registration exercise so we can document them in our records for future reference should uncertainties creep in."

"We in the NDC have realized that some decisions the Electoral Commission is taking are questionable and need to be addressed instead of keeping quiet about it."

Asiedu Nketiah added that, as much as the party has agents at the various registration centers, it is equally important to have the serial numbers to properly analyze the number of persons who took part in the ongoing limited voter registration, especially at a time when the EC says some of its BVRs and BVDs have been stolen.

According to Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the Electoral Commission (EC) is potentially facilitating President Akufo-Addo’s alleged reluctance to transfer power to their candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

"We do not expect the Electoral Commission to act as the conduit through which Akufo-Addo will implement his avowed determination not to hand over power to the visionary, experienced, and trustworthy John Dramani Mahama," he stated.

The National Chairman stated that if the EC refuses to provide the serial numbers of the BVRs, the party will use every means necessary to retrieve the serial numbers.

"If the EC refuses to provide us with the serial numbers, we in the NDC have our ways of retrieving them. We wish to serve notice, and notice is hereby served, that NDC registration agents across the country will resist the EC’s clandestine attempts aimed at diminishing transparency in the voter registration exercise."

"Let me emphasize that our agents must activate the party’s super hi-tech application systems to transmit all serial numbers of BVR kits in their districts and electoral areas to the National Elections and IT Directorate of the party, with or without the approval of the EC," he said.

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