How to resolve AdBlock issue? Electoral Commission Dismisses Allegations of Misconduct in Circulating Voter Register Video
Wednesday, 04 December 2024 | Ghana
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has refuted claims made in a video circulating on social media that a supposed Voters Register for Ahafo Ano 1 and 2 constituencies was being transported in a white pick-up truck. The EC has categorically denied any connection to the content of the footage, calling it an attempt to undermine public trust in the electoral process.
In an official statement, the Commission clarified that the register shown in the video does not belong to the EC. They emphasized that their official voter registers are always printed in black and white, unlike the colored version displayed in the viral footage.
"The Electoral Commission’s official registers are printed in black and white, and this clearly distinguishes them from what is seen in the video," the statement affirmed.
Furthermore, the EC explained that, as part of standard electoral procedures, final copies of the voter register are provided to political parties to ensure transparency. These parties are then at liberty to print their own copies for use by polling agents.
In addressing concerns about the white pick-up truck seen in the footage, the EC explicitly disassociated itself from the vehicle, asserting that it is not part of the Commission’s fleet.
"It is instructive to note that the truck in the video does not belong to the Commission," the statement reiterated.
The Commission also called on the public to disregard the video, labeling it a deliberate effort to sow mistrust in Ghana's electoral process.
To resolve the issue, the EC has requested the Ghana Police Service to investigate the origins of the footage and verify the vehicle’s ownership.
“The registration number of the pick-up truck, which is visible in the video, should be able to assist the Police in their investigations,” the EC noted.
This incident has sparked concern among election stakeholders, especially as the country prepares for a critical general election in 2024. While the EC has worked to enhance transparency and trust in recent years, the emergence of such videos poses challenges to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the credibility of Ghana’s elections and called on all citizens to avoid spreading false information that could compromise national stability.
As investigations into the matter continue, the EC has urged media platforms and social media users to verify the authenticity of information before disseminating it. This step, the Commission believes, is essential in fostering unity and trust during the election period.
In an official statement, the Commission clarified that the register shown in the video does not belong to the EC. They emphasized that their official voter registers are always printed in black and white, unlike the colored version displayed in the viral footage.
"The Electoral Commission’s official registers are printed in black and white, and this clearly distinguishes them from what is seen in the video," the statement affirmed.
Furthermore, the EC explained that, as part of standard electoral procedures, final copies of the voter register are provided to political parties to ensure transparency. These parties are then at liberty to print their own copies for use by polling agents.
In addressing concerns about the white pick-up truck seen in the footage, the EC explicitly disassociated itself from the vehicle, asserting that it is not part of the Commission’s fleet.
"It is instructive to note that the truck in the video does not belong to the Commission," the statement reiterated.
The Commission also called on the public to disregard the video, labeling it a deliberate effort to sow mistrust in Ghana's electoral process.
To resolve the issue, the EC has requested the Ghana Police Service to investigate the origins of the footage and verify the vehicle’s ownership.
“The registration number of the pick-up truck, which is visible in the video, should be able to assist the Police in their investigations,” the EC noted.
This incident has sparked concern among election stakeholders, especially as the country prepares for a critical general election in 2024. While the EC has worked to enhance transparency and trust in recent years, the emergence of such videos poses challenges to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the credibility of Ghana’s elections and called on all citizens to avoid spreading false information that could compromise national stability.
As investigations into the matter continue, the EC has urged media platforms and social media users to verify the authenticity of information before disseminating it. This step, the Commission believes, is essential in fostering unity and trust during the election period.