- EC facilitates voting transfers for inmates, students, and security personnel.
- Special voter registration for unregistered prison inmates scheduled.
- Proxy voting option available for security personnel on special duties.
- EC seeks IT support from UNDP for upcoming elections.
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures designed to streamline the voting process for various groups including prison inmates, students, and security personnel ahead of the December 07 presidential and parliamentary elections. These initiatives were disclosed during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held in Accra on Monday.
Beginning July 3rd to 5th, 2024, eligible individuals such as prison inmates, students, and security personnel will have the opportunity to transfer their votes to constituencies where they are currently residing. This move aims to ensure that these groups can participate in the electoral process effectively and without impediment.
For prison inmates who are not yet registered voters, a special Mop-Up limited voter registration exercise has been scheduled from August 1st to 3rd, 2024. This initiative aims to facilitate their inclusion in the electoral roll, thereby granting them the right to vote in the upcoming elections.
Students seeking to transfer their votes to their campus constituencies will need to present their student ID cards as proof of enrollment. However, it was clarified that students will not be permitted to transfer their votes from campus to other constituencies, emphasizing the importance of voting in one’s current place of residence.
To ensure transparency and oversight, political party agents have been authorized to observe the transfer process at both the EC District offices and the 25 campuses where the recent limited voter registration exercise was conducted. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the voter transfer process.
In addition to voter transfers, security personnel on special duties who anticipate being unable to vote in person have the option to apply for a proxy vote. The application period for proxies is set for July 3rd to 5th, 2024. Political party agents will also be permitted to oversee this process, which includes the biometric capture of both the original voter and their designated proxy.
Further addressing the needs of security personnel, the EC announced the compilation of the Special Voters List scheduled for July 6th to 7th, 2024. Eligible security personnel who have been nominated for special duties must appear in uniform at their respective EC District offices with their voter ID cards to verify their status as Special voters.
Recognizing the importance of technological support, the EC has enlisted the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide IT technical support. This collaboration underscores the EC’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the electoral process.
During the IPAC meeting, the EC also pledged to review all proxy applications that did not undergo biometric capture, with outcomes to be reported at the subsequent IPAC session. This review process aims to address any potential discrepancies and ensure the accuracy of proxy voting arrangements.
These measures announced by the EC signify a proactive approach to addressing logistical challenges and ensuring inclusivity in the upcoming elections. By facilitating voter transfers, enabling proxy voting for security personnel, and leveraging international technical expertise, the EC aims to uphold the democratic rights of all eligible voters in Ghana, thereby fostering a fair and transparent electoral environment ahead of December 07, 2024.
