Do not blame us for registration of minors - EC

The Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC) Mr. Lawrence Sarpong has disclosed that officials of commission cannot be blamed for the alleged registration of minors in the ongoing Limited Registration Exercise.

He indicates that various stakeholders owe it a duty to ensure that the country’s register is rid of unqualified persons to make it more credible for the November 7 polls.

According to him, EC officials at the various registration centres have been given designated roles which do not include warding off potential persons from registering.

Speaking on Ultimate Breakfast Show hosted by Lantam Papanko, Mr. Sarpong underscored the need for persons who object to the registration of some persons claiming they are minors to follow the laid down procedure in making their case to avoid chaotic scenes.

‘The EC officials are only there to register applicants. If an EC official observes that the applicant is not qualified or a minor and could be challenged, he/she has the right to advise the person and educate the applicant the consequences of his/her action”, he said.

He however observed that if the applicant has enough ground to prove he/she meets the criteria for registration, the officer has no option but register such a person adding that agents of the various political parties have an opportunity to file an official challenge.

“Anyone has the right to challenge an applicant using the laid down procedures. You will however need to use the civil process of picking a challenge form to enable the district committee conduct thorough investigation into the matter in order not to create disturbances at the centre”, he explained .

He disclosed that applicants whose applications have been challenged will not be issued with registration cards until the matter is fully dispensed by the District Electoral Investigative Committee.