EC urged to ensure adequate preparation towards Election 2004

Winneba (C/R), June 28, GNA - The Senior Bishop's Deputy of the African Episcopal Zion Church, the Right Reverend Dr Godfred Zormelo on Sunday described the forthcoming general election as "the mother of all polls".

"It would be the most testing elections Ghana would be holding, since it attained her independence some 47 years ago." Rt. Rev. Dr. Zormelo has, therefore, asked the Government to ensure that the Electoral Commission (EC) adequately prepared towards successful polls to avoid any suspicion, which could attract unnecessary confusion and demonstrations.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the series of reports about the lapses being experienced by the electorate in the registration and photo-taking exercises of voters at Winneba, Dr Zormelo appealed to the EC not to do anything which could disfranchise any qualified voter or voters from exercising their voting rights.

The Senior Bishop's Deputy said judging from the deep love and interest Ghanaians had developed for democratic governance, nothing should be done to abuse the essence of democracy, adding that, the Electoral Commission must be guided by these facts in order to provide transparent and credible service to the nation in this crucial period. He suggested that the Government, together with the EC officials and the Council of State sat down to decide on the number of days or weeks that could be added on to the photo-taking exercise so that thousands of registered voters in the 10 regions, who have not had their pictures taken could do so.

This, Dr Zormelo said, would help stem the spate of confusion and demonstrations, which due to the lack of adequate materials and other issues had marred the beauty and the total success of the exercise in Greater Accra, Central, Volta, and Western Regions in particular. He reminded all Ghanaians that the success of the coming elections was the collective responsibility of every citizen, stressing; "we must not sit down unconcerned for things to get out of hand, before we pour out our comments and misgivings.

"We should always strive to live in unity and harmony and not in a state of mistrust and total confusion, which retards progress", Dr Zormelo said.