A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Henry Osei Akoto, has called on Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) to urgently address concerns over indelible ink quality, the storage of biometric verification devices (BVDs), and delays in the delivery of electoral materials.
Speaking during an interview on Nhyira FM, which was monitored by InsiderGH.com, Osei Akoto emphasized that these issues pose a significant threat to the credibility of the upcoming December 2024 general elections.
He pointed to instances in past elections where the indelible ink used to mark voters’ fingers in certain regions was either of poor quality or easily removed, raising concerns about potential double voting. He warned that the EC must ensure the ink used in this year’s elections is durable and tamper-proof to uphold the integrity of the process.
“The Electoral Commission must wake up and address these recurring issues. We cannot afford to have elections where voters’ marks disappear within hours. It creates room for doubts and possible manipulation,” Hon. Hnery Osei Akoto said.
The NDC member also raised alarm about the poor storage conditions of BVDs, which are critical for voter authentication on election day. He noted that improper storage could lead to malfunctioning devices, causing unnecessary delays and voter frustration at polling stations.
“These devices are crucial to ensuring a smooth voting process, and if they are not properly maintained, they will fail at critical moments. The EC must ensure that all BVDs are in perfect working condition before election day,” he added.
Mr. Osei Akoto further criticized the EC for persistent delays in the delivery of electoral materials to some regions, which he said could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. He called on the Commission to streamline its logistics to ensure all materials are delivered on time and in full.
“Delays in delivering materials only heighten tensions and create unnecessary chaos at polling stations. The EC must get its act together to prevent these problems,” he stressed.
As the countdown to the December elections continues, Henry Osei Akoto urged the Electoral Commission to prioritize these concerns to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election. He also called on civil society organizations and election observers to hold the EC accountable to prevent any lapses that could disrupt the process.
“The credibility of this election depends on how the EC handles these critical issues. They must act now to restore confidence in the electoral system,” he concluded.
Source: InsiderGH.com
