NDC Demands External Audit of Voter Register as Electoral Commission Seeks Cooperation

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for an external audit of the voter register for the 2024 general elections, expressing distrust in the Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct the audit impartially.

Dr Rashid Tanko-Computer, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, voiced the party’s concerns on TV3’s Ghana Tonight show on September 12, 2024.

“We insist on an external body to audit the register because the Electoral Commission has betrayed our trust,” Tanko-Computer stated, underscoring the party’s lack of confidence in the Commission’s oversight.

In response, the Electoral Commission has expressed frustration over the NDC’s failure to provide specific information regarding alleged discrepancies in the Voter Register.

Samuel Tettey, Deputy Electoral Commissioner for Operations, highlighted that the NDC had been requested to submit a copy of the identified discrepancies but had yet to comply. “Despite numerous calls and requests, the NDC has not provided the necessary data,” Tettey said.

Tettey criticized the NDC for its lack of cooperation, which he argued hinders the Commission’s efforts to address and resolve the reported issues effectively.

He noted that while comments from the NDC have pointed to potential ghost names in the register, the Exhibition Exercise is designed to address such concerns by allowing for the removal of deceased individuals’ names.

“The Exhibition Exercise itself serves as an audit. It identifies discrepancies and facilitates legal processes to correct them,” Tettey explained. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to transparency and urged the NDC to provide detailed information on the discrepancies for further investigation.

The Electoral Commission reiterated its dedication to ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the Voter Register and highlighted the importance of collaborative engagement with all stakeholders to resolve electoral concerns.