Claims that we've sent faulty machines to some registration centres false – EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) has stated that it has no intention of favouring any particular regions, constituencies, or zones in the ongoing limited registration exercise.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare has addressed commentaries implying that the Commission has sent faulty equipment to certain parts of the country or is frustrating the registration exercise in some regions or constituencies, labeling them as inaccurate.

He suggested that such allegations are being promoted by individuals who are either completely ignorant of the processes of the Electoral Commission or by those who deliberately want to undermine the reputation and the recognition the EC enjoys among those who understand their processes.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, May 13, 2024, Dr. Asare stated, "The Commission understands that the right to register as a voter is a fundamental political right that must be protected for all Ghanaians who are at least 18 years old and meet the requirements for registration.

"Consequently, it's unfortunate that some would accuse the Commission of discriminating against a section of Ghanaians in the registration exercise."

He assured Ghanaians that all qualified individuals would be given the opportunity to register and vote.

"We wish to use this medium to again assure all Ghanaians that the Commission is committed to ensuring that all qualified persons get onto the Voters Register and vote in the December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

"It is in our interest to do so, and we take pride in the high percentage of the population who are registered voters."

The EC has also disclosed that a pattern that has emerged as a regular feature of this registration exercise in the first six days is that nationally, more females are registering than males.

"Of the 251,149 registered voters, females constitute 135,898, which is 54.11%, and males are 115,251, which is 45.89%."

The EC added, "First-time voters (those between the ages of 18 and 21) constitute the majority of registered voters in all 16 regions.

"Nationally, they represent 88.02% (that is, 221,066) of the total number of registered voters so far. At the end of Day Six, we had registered 382 persons with disabilities," he added.