The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns about missing voter registration kits and other pertinent issues, prompting a call for an urgent Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to address these issues. The Electoral Commission's failure to hold the scheduled IPAC meeting on March 27, 2024, has further heightened apprehensions regarding the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections slated for December 7.
In a formal letter to the Electoral Commission, Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the NDC, highlighted the shortage of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) and the mysterious disappearance of crucial components from Biometric Verification Registration kits, including five laptops. The NDC emphasized the potential threat these issues pose to the fairness and transparency of the electoral process and expressed deep-seated concerns regarding the situation.
The letter underscored the party's belief that these unfortunate incidents could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process and emphasized the urgent need for an emergency IPAC meeting to address these critical developments. According to Kwetey, safeguarding the democratic principles upon which the nation stands is non-negotiable, and decisive action must be taken to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
In response to these concerns, the Electoral Commission has refuted claims of the theft of seven Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) from its stores, clarifying that no such incident occurred. However, it acknowledged the discovery of the theft of five laptops from the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) Kits during a routine servicing exercise.
Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, emphasized that the stolen laptops are distinct from the BVR Kits and clarified that the kits operate independently and are incapable of manipulating election outcomes. He reassured the public of the integrity of the EC's systems and the electoral process, affirming that safeguards are in place to maintain the credibility of elections conducted by the Commission.
The NDC's call for an urgent IPAC meeting reflects the party's commitment to upholding transparency and fairness in the electoral process. As the Electoral Commission addresses these concerns and reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, it is essential for all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in the upcoming 2024 general elections. The urgency of convening an IPAC meeting cannot be overstated, and it is imperative for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue to address these critical issues and uphold democratic principles.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
