Voter ID does not guarantees eligibility - NCCE

Nkoranza (BA), June 23, GNA - Mr Kofi Frimpong, Nkoranza District Electoral Officer, on Monday said having Voter's Identification Card does not automatically make one an eligible voter if his or her name cannot be found in the Electoral Register.

Addressing a forum of political parties, security officers, religious bodies, traditional authorities, civil society groups and associations at Nkoranza, Mr. Frimpong urged all to ensure that their names were in the register when the voter's registration exercise begins in July next month.

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organised the forum, which aimed at educating participants to guard against negative attitudes that could affect the successful conduct of the up-coming elections in December. Mr Frimpong also urged people who have attained 18 years and above and has not registered, to do so to enable them exercise their franchise come December 7, 2008.

He stressed the need for leaders of political parties to educate their followers to also register.

Mr Frimpong cautioned the youth of the various political parties against defacing and destroying posters of other opponents, warning that such practice was a serious electoral offence backed by legal sanctions. He urged political parties to choose responsible and law abiding party agents to supervise the election. "Drunkards should not be appointed as polling station agents and to cause confusion," Mr Frimpong said. Mr Peter Akwasi Denteh, Nkronza District Police Commander assured that the police would work impartially and provide the necessary services in Nkoranza.

He urged the security officers to discharge their duties devoid of partisan politics.

The Nkronza South District Chief Executive, Mr James Kwabena Appiah-Awuah called on the media to be circumspect in their reportage and desist from sensationalism. Pastor Richard Duncan, Nkronza Acting District Director of the NCCE, said the impending general election was very crucial, since other neighbouring countries would be observing. He appealed to participants to go back and educate their people on the needed to ensure peaceful elections in promoting unity needed for nation building.

"Religions Bodies should not relent in their efforts in praying for the state in order that God would show forth his mercy to make the elections free, fair and transparent", Pastor Duncan added. Nana Okofo Agyapong III, Adontehene of Nkoranza Traditional Area who chaired the function, emphasized the need for the youth to lead decent lives in their communities. 23 June 08