The running mate to the flag-bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Mahama, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to extend the ongoing nationwide limited voters registration, to make up for the time lost at the start of the exercise.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang said this would be the surest way to ensure that the EC captures the names of qualified citizens on the register, to fairly participate in the election of their political leaders.
She made the call when she visited the Madina District Office of the EC, to have first-hand information on the limited voters registration, yesterday, in Accra.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang gave the assurance that the NDC would assist prospective first-time voters to exercise their civic responsibility.
She was accompanied by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, and the National Women’s Organiser of the NDC, Hannah Bissue.
According to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, the voter registration, which was marked by poor network and equipment challenges, could serve as a demotivation for the first time-voters, who could decide not to take part in the December 7 election.
“The main purpose of the limited registration exercise is to facilitate the registration of first-time voters with the aim of getting them ready to vote in the December polls which is their constitutional right and not to frustrate them instead,” she added.
She advised the EC to listen to discerning voices offering advice, aimed at creating a positive and genuine atmosphere for credible and acceptable voter register.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang indicated that the EC as a public institution, “must have the time for people’s concerns as well as raise the leverage on public education as to why certain things should not be encouraged such as the act of bussing people to other communities to register to vote.”
“Any election that comes with problem does not bring peace, as such the EC should instead listen to the voice of the people,” she added.
Mr Sosu noted that the first day of the voter registration was fraught with serious challenges that resulted in the late start of the exercise in some parts of the Madina constituency.
He cautioned those allegedly bussing non-residents to the area, to register and vote for any particular party, to stop the practice or have themselves to blame.
“We are urging those who are not legitimate residents and who are being allegedly transported from Akyem Wenchi to Madina to register and vote not to allow themselves to be used because it is illegal and it must stop,” Mr Sosu, advised.
He said the issue has been reported to the police and the EC, and that “We will resist any attempt by anyone who will try to breach the peace in the area.”
Mr Sosu commended officials of the Madina District EC, for their determination to ensure smooth voter registration despite the challenges confronting them.
BY LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU
