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Forty per cent of voters check names in register

Ec Registration Top

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 Source: GNA

The Brong Ahafo Regional Electoral Commission ( EC) recorded 40 percent turnout in the just-ended Voters’ Exhibition Exercise

Mr George Gyabaa, Regional Director in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) stated that there was a generally low turnout, as only 537,315 out of a total number of 1,316,830 in the Voters’ Register checked their names and particulars.

He said a lot of people did not attach much importance to the exercise, since they believed their names were automatically in the Register after registering.

Mr. Gyabaa said Berekum had the lowest turnout percentage of 25.0, adding that only 18,481 out of a total of 77,936 registered voters had their names checked.

He disclosed that Sene East recorded the highest percentage of 70.11, where 15,161 out of 21,626 voters checked their names in the Register.

Mr Gyabaa advised the public to take advantage of such an exercise to ensure their names and particulars were correct in the Register to be able to cast their vote during elections.

He stated that all those who had double registration would have their name removed from the Register, and would be added to the multiple registration list, which could prevent them from voting during elections, or have to explain themselves well before they would be allowed to vote.

Mr. Gyabaa explained that some people, instead of reporting of their missing identity cards, rather registered again as new entrants, but he added, “there will be an indication of double registration in which such names will be removed to Multiple Registration List (MRL) or Exception List (EL)”.

He stated that EC did not record any major challenges in this year’s exhibition, apart from the low turn-out, and called on the general public to co-operate with the Commission in all future exercises in preparation towards general elections.

On replacement of lost ID cards, he said the Commission was waiting for the decision of Parliament about the election law which state clearly that charges have to be made on ID card replacement.

Mr. Gyabaah said if Parliament decides that the cards should be replaced free of charge, then EC will start issuing to voters who filled forms during the exhibition, and hoped all lost cards will be issued by the end of next year.

Source: GNA