The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has once again heightened its call for transparency ahead of the crucial 2024 elections by formally sending a follow-up letter to the Electoral Commission (EC), demanding a forensic audit of the 2024 voters register and its IT system. This action comes after the NDC, through its national secretariat, expressed deep concerns over discrepancies found within the voters register, which they argue could undermine the integrity of the upcoming general elections.
NDC’s Nationwide Demonstrations in All 16 Regions
On September 17th, 2024, the NDC staged simultaneous demonstrations across all 16 regions of Ghana to voice their concerns about the voters register. The party’s leadership, supporters, and well-wishers gathered in huge numbers, peacefully protesting what they described as irregularities and discrepancies in the Electoral Commission’s handling of the register. The NDC’s message was clear: there must be an independent forensic audit of the register to ensure a free and fair election process.
As part of the demonstrations, the NDC submitted formal petitions to the EC offices in all 16 regions, laying out their concerns and demands. The petition stressed the need for urgent action, including a thorough forensic audit of the entire voter registration process and the IT systems used by the EC.
One-Week Ultimatum for EC’s Response
In the petition, the NDC gave the EC a one-week ultimatum to respond to the issues raised, calling for immediate measures to address the discrepancies. The party believes that the flaws in the voters register, if left unaddressed, could compromise the democratic process and unfairly tilt the results of the December 7th, 2024, general elections.
However, as of now, the Electoral Commission has not responded to the NDC’s request. The silence of the EC, even after the ultimatum has passed, has raised further concerns among party members and the broader Ghanaian public, many of whom are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the EC.
The NDC’s Continued Push for Electoral Integrity
The NDC’s demand for a forensic audit reflects a broader push by the party to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, and transparent. The NDC leadership has emphasized that the integrity of the voters register is crucial to the democratic process and that any irregularities could have significant consequences for the outcome of the 2024 elections.
With less than three months to go before the general elections, the NDC continues to advocate for the necessary reforms and audits to be carried out. The party is committed to using all available legal and democratic means to ensure that the voices of Ghanaians are heard, and that the electoral process is not compromised by technical or systemic failures.
What’s Next for the NDC and the EC?
As the NDC waits for a response from the EC, the party has hinted at further actions should the electoral body continue its silence. There are growing calls for the EC to address the issues outlined in the NDC’s petition and to take immediate steps to rectify any potential discrepancies in the voters register and its IT infrastructure.
In the meantime, Ghanaians are closely watching how the EC will respond to these pressing concerns, as the integrity of the electoral process is of paramount importance in safeguarding the country’s democracy. The NDC, through its leadership, has made it clear that it will not back down until the necessary audits are conducted and the electoral process is secured.
The demand for a forensic audit of the voters register is not just about the NDC; it’s about ensuring that every Ghanaian voter has the right to participate in a fair and transparent election. The stakes are high, and the NDC is calling on the EC to step up and act in the interest of all Ghanaians.