How to resolve AdBlock issue? NDC Urges Electoral Commission to Address Ballot Paper Shortages in Volta Region
Friday, 29 November 2024 | Ghana
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to take immediate action in investigating and addressing the issue of ballot paper shortages in the Volta Region. The shortage, which has affected several constituencies in the region, has sparked concerns among various stakeholders, including political parties, voters, and civil society organizations.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC's Director of Elections and IT, emphasized that the root cause of the shortage must be thoroughly investigated to prevent similar issues in the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 7th. He urged the EC not to dismiss the concerns, stressing the importance of resolving the situation promptly to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
The issue came to light when the EC confirmed that five constituencies in the Volta Region had experienced a shortage of ballot papers, raising fears of voter disenfranchisement. The shortage has raised alarms about its potential impact on the upcoming elections, particularly in the Volta Region, which is considered a stronghold for the NDC. Stakeholders are concerned that these shortages could undermine the confidence of voters in the election process, potentially affecting the overall turnout and outcome in the region.
Dr. Boamah reiterated that transparency is crucial in addressing this situation. He emphasized that the EC must be open and transparent in its efforts to resolve the issue to maintain trust in the electoral system. The NDC, as a major political party, has expressed its concern that the shortage may not be a simple logistical oversight, urging for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the problem.
In response to the situation, the Electoral Commission has assured the public that it is taking corrective measures. The EC announced that it has already begun the process of printing additional ballot papers to address the shortage. The Commission further assured that the new batch of ballots will be distributed to the affected constituencies in time for the elections, ensuring that all voters will have the opportunity to cast their votes without any further disruptions.
However, the NDC remains cautious and insists that a full investigation into the cause of the shortage is necessary to prevent future occurrences. Dr. Boamah expressed his concerns about the repeated errors in the Volta Region, calling them "avoidable mistakes." He also highlighted that these issues could have serious consequences for the electoral process and the integrity of the December elections.
In a Facebook post on Friday, November 29, Dr. Boamah reiterated that the Electoral Commission must not ignore the issue, stating, "The brief from our team makes it abundantly clear that the Electoral Commission of Ghana has committed another avoidable error." He went on to say that the statistics submitted to the Act Commercial print house, responsible for printing the ballots, were complied with correctly.
He further stated, "That Volta Region, our stronghold, is experiencing such avoidable errors in series is not lost on us." Dr. Boamah’s statement suggests that the NDC believes the shortages are not mere mistakes but rather a recurring issue that needs urgent attention. He called on the EC to explain to the people of Ghana how the ballot paper shortfall occurred and ensure that it does not happen again.
The NDC’s call for a full explanation and accountability from the Electoral Commission comes as the nation prepares for the December elections, a crucial moment for Ghana’s democracy. As the election day draws near, the NDC and other stakeholders are keen to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible, and that all voters, particularly in the Volta Region, have the opportunity to participate fully in the process.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC's Director of Elections and IT, emphasized that the root cause of the shortage must be thoroughly investigated to prevent similar issues in the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 7th. He urged the EC not to dismiss the concerns, stressing the importance of resolving the situation promptly to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
The issue came to light when the EC confirmed that five constituencies in the Volta Region had experienced a shortage of ballot papers, raising fears of voter disenfranchisement. The shortage has raised alarms about its potential impact on the upcoming elections, particularly in the Volta Region, which is considered a stronghold for the NDC. Stakeholders are concerned that these shortages could undermine the confidence of voters in the election process, potentially affecting the overall turnout and outcome in the region.
Dr. Boamah reiterated that transparency is crucial in addressing this situation. He emphasized that the EC must be open and transparent in its efforts to resolve the issue to maintain trust in the electoral system. The NDC, as a major political party, has expressed its concern that the shortage may not be a simple logistical oversight, urging for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the problem.
In response to the situation, the Electoral Commission has assured the public that it is taking corrective measures. The EC announced that it has already begun the process of printing additional ballot papers to address the shortage. The Commission further assured that the new batch of ballots will be distributed to the affected constituencies in time for the elections, ensuring that all voters will have the opportunity to cast their votes without any further disruptions.
However, the NDC remains cautious and insists that a full investigation into the cause of the shortage is necessary to prevent future occurrences. Dr. Boamah expressed his concerns about the repeated errors in the Volta Region, calling them "avoidable mistakes." He also highlighted that these issues could have serious consequences for the electoral process and the integrity of the December elections.
In a Facebook post on Friday, November 29, Dr. Boamah reiterated that the Electoral Commission must not ignore the issue, stating, "The brief from our team makes it abundantly clear that the Electoral Commission of Ghana has committed another avoidable error." He went on to say that the statistics submitted to the Act Commercial print house, responsible for printing the ballots, were complied with correctly.
He further stated, "That Volta Region, our stronghold, is experiencing such avoidable errors in series is not lost on us." Dr. Boamah’s statement suggests that the NDC believes the shortages are not mere mistakes but rather a recurring issue that needs urgent attention. He called on the EC to explain to the people of Ghana how the ballot paper shortfall occurred and ensure that it does not happen again.
The NDC’s call for a full explanation and accountability from the Electoral Commission comes as the nation prepares for the December elections, a crucial moment for Ghana’s democracy. As the election day draws near, the NDC and other stakeholders are keen to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible, and that all voters, particularly in the Volta Region, have the opportunity to participate fully in the process.