- Rain slows down voter register exhibition in Kumasi.
- Low turnout due to rain and lack of awareness.
- Exercise aims to verify voter details and locations.
- Electoral Commission hopes for improved turnout.
The voters’ register exhibition exercise in Kumasi got off to a slow start on its first day due to intermittent rain. The exercise, which aims to allow voters to verify their details as captured during the voter registration exercise, saw low turnout in most polling stations.
Less than 10 voters had checked their details hours after the exercise began, with the rain being a significant contributory factor. However, some voters also appeared to be unaware of the commencement of the exercise.
Osei Ameyaw, a voter, expressed his lack of awareness about the exercise when asked why he had not yet verified his voter registration details. “I am not aware of any voter exhibition exercise. But since you’re now telling me, I will ensure I go and check my details tomorrow,” he said.
Nazir Ilyas, on the other hand, has no intention of participating in the exhibition exercise. He expressed his disillusionment with politicians and their failed promises, stating, “I’m honestly tired of failed promises by politicians, and I’m not ready to vote in the coming election. So, it is not necessary for me to confirm my details in the voter register.”
Despite the slow start, officials of the Electoral Commission remain hopeful that the turnout will improve in the coming days. The 8-day exhibition exercise is crucial in assisting voters to locate their designated polling stations and offers an opportunity for them to request amendments to their details where necessary.
The exercise is also expected to help the Electoral Commission to identify and correct any errors or discrepancies in the voter register. This will ensure the integrity of the electoral process and prevent any potential disputes during the election.
In addition to verifying their details, voters can also use the opportunity to transfer their votes to their preferred polling stations. This is particularly important for voters who have moved to new locations since the last election. The Electoral Commission has assured voters that the exhibition exercise will be conducted in a transparent and fair manner. Officials will be available to assist voters and address any concerns they may have.
The low turnout on the first day of the exhibition exercise is a concern, but it is not unprecedented. Similar exercises in the past have also experienced low turnout on the first day, only to pick up as the days go by. As the exercise continues, it is essential for voters to take advantage of the opportunity to verify their details and ensure that they are eligible to vote in the upcoming election.
