EC Refutes Rigging Claims by NDC, Emphasizes Transparency in Electoral Process

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has categorically denied any capacity or intent to rig the upcoming 2024 general election in favor of any political party. This assertion comes in response to speculations by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding potential election manipulation.

The Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, addressed these concerns during a media engagement in Accra last Friday. He emphasized the robust and transparent nature of Ghana's electoral laws and the EC's operations, which he argued leave no room for electoral fraud. Tettey urged the NDC and other political parties to focus on adequately training their agents to actively participate in the election process rather than making unfounded accusations.

Context

This media engagement followed a press conference held on Thursday, May 16, by NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, who accused the EC of plotting to rig the elections in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Election Integrity

Addressing these allegations, Tettey reiterated, "The EC is not in any position to rig elections for any party." He detailed the transparent procedures involved in the electoral process, from voter registration to the actual voting day, ensuring all stages are open to scrutiny. For instance, political parties are notified at least 21 days prior to any voter registration exercise. Moreover, on election day, party agents are present at polling stations to monitor the voting and counting processes, which further mitigates any possibility of rigging.

"If a political party participates in all the processes of the EC and collates their results well, their figures will tally with that of the EC. Elections are won at polling stations and not the EC headquarters," Tettey stressed.

Allegations of Recruitment Opacity

Tettey also dismissed NDC's allegations about the lack of transparency in the recruitment of returning officers by the EC, reaffirming the commission's commitment to fair and open procedures.

Voter ID Replacement Initiative

In a related development, Tettey announced that the EC will commence the replacement of voter identification cards for individuals in parts of the Volta Region affected by recent flooding. This initiative, set to begin on May 30, responds to appeals from the NDC's General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, to aid those who lost their ID cards due to the spillage from the Akosombo Dam.

"We have heard the appeal made by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, for the replacement of the ID of our fellow Ghanaians in parts of North Tongu and other areas that were affected by the floods. We know that it is no fault of theirs, so their cards will be replaced," Tettey stated.

Background

The Volta River Authority (VRA) conducted a spillage of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams in September last year, leading to flooding in several districts and displacing approximately 39,000 people. Many affected residents lost their voter ID cards as a result of the floods.

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