John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) flagbearer, is visiting some voting locations in the Greater Accra Region.
The country’s current limited voter registration will be observed by the former president.
Before visiting the district offices in Adenta, La, and Tema, he will first stop by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) headquarters.
The limited voter registration period started on September 12 and was supposed to end on October 2 (Monday).
The NDC, as well as other political parties and civil society organizations, opposed the EC’s decision to have it done only in districts rather than electoral areas, which led to resistance when it first began.
Nevertheless, it was urged that everyone participate fully in the election, especially first-timers.
Mr. Mahama urged the EC to take the calls for moving voter registration closer to the polls seriously.
“I wish to add my voice to those who have called on the EC to reconsider its decision to restrict the registration exercise to its district offices only,” he said in a Facebook Live session on Wednesday, September 6.
“It is also our very strong recommendation that in line with regulation 22(b) of CI 91 as amended by CI 126, the Commission listens to the call for the extension of the exercise to take place in the electoral areas and not limited to the district offices of the Commission.
“This will curb many inconveniences including transportation, lack of money to move from distant locations and access.”
In connection with this, the NDC has requested that ECOWAS summon Jean Mensah, the electoral commissioner, to order.
Speaking to reporters, Johnson Aseidu Nketia, the National Chairman of the NDC, urged the regional alliance to take the initiative to protect Ghana’s democracy.
The NDC Chairman also claims that numerous irregularities, particularly in the party’s strongholds, have plagued the ongoing limited voter registration exercise since it began on September 12, 2023.
“This irresponsible and unconscionable decision of the commission confirms the NDC’s long-held view that the Jean Mensah-led EC is determined to rig the 2024 elections through voter suppression. But she will fail because we are ready for them.
At its district offices across the nation, the Electoral Commission is currently conducting the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
