General News of Saturday, 14 September 2013

Source: XYZ

EC not right body to call for electoral reforms – Akufo-Addo

The Flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has said he doubts if the Electoral Commission (EC) is the appropriate outfit to lead the way for electoral reforms.

He passed these comments on Friday at a meeting with members of the Peace Council and the Civil Forum Initiative.

Hitherto, the Electoral Commission had made it known that they will welcome views, suggestions and active participation of the political parties in Ghana, in bringing change to the electoral system.

However, the twice defeated presidential candidate said reforms would need to be made in the right manner.

In his address, he asked, “Do you believe that an institution that needs to be reformed; do you believe that is the same institution that must lead those reforms?

“Perhaps, it would be better for an independent body to look at the issues and give up an independent assessment of what the issues are”.

Former Finance Minister under the NPP administration, Mr. Osafo Marfo, who was present at the meeting also strongly opposed the idea of allowing the EC to spearhead electoral reforms.

He said: “We all saw the evidence- in-chief of Dr. Afari-Gyan and I believe that we want people to come in and contribute effectively; for the sake of the EC’s own credibility.”