The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is gearing up for another round of demonstrations across Ghana, this time at the district level, to protest the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to audit the voter register. Abraham Amaliba, Director of Conflict Resolution for the NDC, made the announcement, stating, “We will go to the district levels, we will demonstrate again at the district level.”
The EC had previously rejected the NDC’s call for a forensic audit of the voter register, citing that discrepancies identified in the Provisional Voter Register (PVR) had been largely resolved in 2020 and would be addressed again in 2024. The Commission invited the NDC to discuss the matter, emphasizing that existing legal and administrative processes for cleaning the PVR had not been fully exhausted to justify a forensic audit.
The NDC, however, remains adamant that a credible register is central to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. National Chair Johnson Asiedu Nketia emphasized, “We want nothing but transparent elections that will guarantee our right to choose our leaders.” He warned that Ghana’s democracy is under serious threat and that the NDC will prevail in its fight for democratic rights.
The NDC’s demands are not unfounded, as concerns about the voter register’s integrity have been raised. However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has clarified that it is not opposed to the audit, but insists that proper legal procedures must be followed ¹. The NPP referenced a 2016 ruling by Justice V. C. R. A. C. Crabbe, outlining steps to be taken when requesting an audit.
The EC’s stance has been consistent, emphasizing its commitment to delivering its mandate. In its response to the NDC’s petition, the Commission assured that it had resolved discrepancies in the PVR and invited the NDC to discuss the matter.
The NDC’s ‘Enough is enough’ nationwide demonstration on September 17 was a testament to the party’s determination to press home its demands. The upcoming district-level demonstrations will likely put more pressure on the EC to reconsider its stance.
Asiedu Nketia’s words resonated with the party’s supporters, emphasizing the importance of democratic-minded citizens fighting for their rights. “Elections alone do not guarantee democracy; it is democratic-minded citizens who are ready to fight for them who can guarantee democracy.”
The NDC’s persistence has sparked a national conversation about the importance of electoral integrity. With Ghana’s democracy at stake, the party’s demands for transparency and accountability have become increasingly urgent.
