We are ready to implement ROPAL – EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is ready to implement the Representation of the Peoples Amendment Act (ROPAL).

The Act which seeks to provide an opportunity for Ghanaians living abroad to vote in general elections in Ghana was passed by Parliament twelve years ago.

However, the EC has not been able to implement the law, citing the lack of the needed resources as reasons for failing to comply with the law.

Even though a High Court in Accra in 2017 ordered the EC to begin the process of implementing the ROPAL, the election management body is yet to act.

Speaking at a forum in Accra on Election 2020 organized Abibiman Foundation, the Acting Director, Training of the EC. Michael Boadu said all is set for the implementation of the Act.

He disclosed that a draft document has already been prepared and is awaiting registration.

“The ROPAL is a Ghana thing, that’s to say if we allow Ghanaians outside the borders of Ghana to register we have to use Ghana’s laws on elections. And so whatever pertains here will not be too different from what you’re going to see if we roll out ROPAL. There are certain details that I’ll not be able to let go now but what I’ll say is that we’ve gone far with arrangement for ROPAL and we’ll come out very soon with our modalities."

"We intend doing registration early this year and if we’re going to roll out ROPAL it means that our relations out there who qualify to vote must also be registered. And so it must cover them right from the registration through to the election.

“If you ask whether we’re ready I’ll say YES. We are because by way of planning and putting things on paper we are far advanced,” Michael Boadu added.