Ghana must not fall victim to examples of electoral process compromises in Sub-Saharan Africa – Kansangbata to EC

A former Minister of State under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) era, Abu Kansangbata, has cautioned against decisions or moves that could turn Ghana, a peaceful country, into a nation of unprecedented compromises stemming from unresolved election-related matters.

Reacting to the Electoral Commission’s decision not to budge to the incessant requests by the NDC for the 2024 voters register to be taken through an independent forensic, Kansangbata said that such decisions in other parts of Africa have led to unrest.

He added that if Ghana is not careful, it could fall among the examples of countries where infractions from elections have led to instabilities.

“Their call for a forensic audit of the Electoral Commission's (EC) voter register is not only timely but crucial to ensuring a transparent and credible election come December 7th. Our call for an audit is founded on our firm belief in the principles of democracy and free and fair elections. We recognize the importance of a robust electoral system that upholds the will of the people. The NDC, as a responsible political party, is prepared to accept the outcome of the election, provided that the electoral process remains transparent and free from any form of manipulation.

“We have seen instances across Sub-Saharan Africa where electoral processes have been compromised, leading to instability and unrest. Ghana must not fall victim to such practices, and we believe a forensic audit will help ensure this,” he said in a statement made available to GhanaWeb.

Abu Kansangbata further called on other leaders, including chiefs and religious leaders, as well as the international community, to add their voices to these calls on the EC to allow for an independent forensic of the 2024 voters register.

“I also call on religious leaders, chiefs, and traditional leaders of our dear nation, as major stakeholders in our political dispensation, to lend their voices to this cause for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

“I also want to use this platform to appeal to the international community, including the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and USAID, to support our call for this audit. If the Electoral Commission fails to heed this appeal, we will have no choice but to resort to peaceful demonstrations,” he added.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) organised the Enough Is Enough Demonstration to press the Electoral Commission for a forensic audit of the voter register ahead of the December 7 general elections.

According to the party, it has identified various discrepancies in the existing voter roll which would require a thorough independent audit to resolve.

The party, at the end of Tuesday’s protest, presented a petition to the commission to press home their demands.

Read Abu Kansangbata’s full statement below:

Press Statement by Hon. Abu Kansangbata on the Electoral Commission's Voter Register.

Date: 19th September, 2024

For Immediate Release

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the national executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly the Election Directorate, for their steadfast leadership in safeguarding our democracy. Their call for a forensic audit of the Electoral Commission's (EC) voter register is not only timely but crucial to ensuring a transparent and credible election come December 7th. Our call for an audit is founded on our firm belief in the principles of democracy and free and fair elections.

We recognize the importance of a robust electoral system that upholds the will of the people. The NDC, as a responsible political party, is prepared to accept the outcome of the election, provided that the electoral process remains transparent and free from any form of manipulation. We have seen instances across Sub-Saharan Africa where electoral processes have been compromised, leading to instability and unrest. Ghana must not fall victim to such practices, and we believe a forensic audit will help ensure this.

I also call on religious leaders, chiefs, and traditional leaders of our dear nation, as major stakeholders in our political dispensation, to lend their voices to this cause for transparency and fairness in the electoral process. I also want to use this platform to appeal to the international community, including the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and USAID, to support our call for this audit. If the Electoral Commission fails to heed this appeal, we will have no choice but to resort to peaceful demonstrations. As a former Minister of State, I assure you that the NDC will embark on peaceful protests every two weeks until the EC takes the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the voter register.

This is not just about the NDC. It is about Ghana and the future of our democracy. We are committed to peace, transparency, and fairness, and we call on all Ghanaians to join us in this quest for a credible electoral process.

Thank you.

Signed,

Hon. Abu Kansangbata

Former Minister of State

AE