It’s barely three months until the 2024 general elections, and the Electoral Commission is expected to ensure that all necessary materials are ready and free of issues, as the fate of the country rests on its shoulders, relative to the polls.

As part of normal procedures, the Electoral Commission is mandated to provide a copy of the provisional voters register to all political parties for their review and verification.

If there’s a discovery of any issues found in the register, the EC is required to address and resolve them to ensure the credibility of the register before the elections.

That was the case until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised concerns on some anomalies and illegalities in the provisional voters register following an internal audit by the party.

According to the NDC, some of the discrepancies highlighted by their audit are the illegal transfer of names, missing voters and the inclusion of the names of over 50,000 dead people.

The party has called for a forensic audit of the voters register to address any lingering issues ahead of the pending polls in December.

The demand from the NDC has yet to be addressed by the EC, raising concerns about the electoral body’s perceived reluctance and unwillingness to take necessary actions.

To mount pressure on the EC, the NDC embarked on a nationwide demonstration on September 17, 2024.

Several stakeholders and groups have since joined in the calls for a forensic audit.

GhanaWeb takes a look at these personalities and groups who have backed the NDC’s calls for an audit

1. Alan Kyeremanten

The founder of the Movement for Change and independent presidential candidate, has backed calls for an audit, emphasising the crucial role of the EC in ensuring free and fair elections, asserting that public trust in the electoral system relies on addressing these issues.

“The Electoral Commission has the mandate to conduct free and fair elections, and if concerns are raised about the process, they have to clear any doubts in the people's minds,” Kyerematen stated.

2. Nana Kwasi Bosomprah

The Paramount Chief of the Goaso Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah, echoed the party’s concerns, advising the EC to agree to an external audit.

He noted that such a move would not only address the NDC’s grievances but also serve as an opportunity for the EC to validate the accuracy of the register, thereby promoting transparency and peace in the electoral process.

“The EC’s response to the NDC’s concerns was uninspiring. I firmly believe an external audit is necessary. Denying this request raises suspicions.

“If the EC allows an audit and finds nothing, it will boost its credibility. I urge the EC to heed the NDC’s demands for peace to prevail," he said.

3. Dr Emmanuel Akwetey

The Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, stated that there is a need for a credible register and emphasised the importance of cooperation with the EC.

He noted that if doubts persist, an audit could demonstrate the register's authenticity and integrity, which he deemed crucial.

4. Patrick Richard Okine

Patrick Okine, on the other hand, said that he did not think it would hurt the EC to conduct the forensic audit requested by the NDC.

He emphasized that it is the party’s legitimate right, as a key stakeholder in the December elections, to seek such an audit.

“Besides, the EC is mandated to ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied with the accuracy of the voters register ahead of the elections. If the EC has admitted to the infractions and discrepancies in the register, it is only fair that the complaints of the NDC are addressed timeously, and the process must be transparent in a manner that would not undermine the credibility of the register,” he said.

5. Prof. Agyeman-Duah

The former United Nations Senior Governance Advisor emphasised the need for consensus-building to resolve the issue, suggesting that a third-party audit could be considered.

"The EC claims to have an in-built audit process, but if there's a real need for a comprehensive audit, the NDC should provide partial evidence," he said.

5. TUTAG

TUTAG President, Prof. Uriah Tetteh, called on the EC to work with all political parties to address the issues as the cooperation was the only way that the country’s peace and democratic stability could be maintained.

“The growing tension surrounding the voters’ register is alarming and if not addressed with urgency and transparency, it could undermine the peace and democratic stability of our nation,” the statement said.

6. Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi

The Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, said that an audit of the voters register would be in the best interest of the EC as it would help clear allegations and enhance EC’s credibility and demonstrate its commitment to transparency and fairness.

In a post on X he said “The EC’s position on the request for an audit of the register is baffling and even troubling! For even if they deny the merit of the claims, audits by their nature confirm or refute allegations, and for a constitutional body whose mandate is rooted in perceptions of fairness and neutrality, it is in its own interest and that of Ghana that it dispels, not fight, allegations of a bloated register through an audit.”

The EC has been pushed into a corner as pressure continues to mount. The nation awaits what will be the eventual decision of the EC.

MAG/AE