- Akpaloo rejects NDC's call for voter register audit.
- Insufficient time (less than 3 months) for audit.
- NDC alleges inflated register; Akpaloo defends EC.
- EC commended; NDC urged to discuss concerns.
Kofi Akpaloo, the flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), has rejected the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) call for a forensic audit of the 2024 voters register, labeling it a waste of time and unnecessary. With only 65 days left until the December 7 elections, Akpaloo argued that there’s insufficient time for the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct such an audit. He emphasized that the EC is already expected to audit the register within the next 60 days, making a forensic audit impractical.
At an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra, Akpaloo urged the NDC to abandon its demand, stating that it would distract from necessary election preparations. He questioned the feasibility of conducting a forensic audit involving 275 constituencies, 40,000 polling stations, and 18 million voters within the limited timeframe.
The NDC has been pushing for a forensic audit, claiming the voter register is inflated with ineligible individuals. However, Akpaloo defended the EC, stating that allegations of ghost names on the register won’t impact the election outcome. He highlighted that the biometric register prevents deceased individuals from voting.
Akpaloo commended the EC for its work, demonstrating its capability to handle the registration process. He dismissed the notion of human error, emphasizing the EC’s effectiveness. The Electoral Commission has also described the NDC’s demand for a forensic audit as premature, citing established procedures for cleaning and strengthening the provisional voters register.
The EC outlined its robust processes, including voter registration, exhibition of the provisional register, and District Registration Review Officers’ sittings to address discrepancies. These measures ensure the production of a reliable final voters register.
The NDC presented five issues with the register, including alleged ghost names, but failed to provide evidence to the EC. Despite requests, the NDC hasn’t submitted data on the discrepancies, hindering the EC’s investigation.
The EC assured the public of its commitment to delivering a transparent process, ensuring a credible and robust voters register for the December 2024 elections.
The commission emphasized that dialogue, rather than demonstrations, is the best approach to resolving concerns. It urged the NDC to bring its concerns to the discussion table, where they can be properly investigated and resolved.
The EC’s stance is clear: a forensic audit will not add value to its established processes. Instead, it may cause unnecessary tensions and suspicions.
Kofi Akpaloo and the Electoral Commission have rejected the NDC’s call for a forensic audit, citing impracticality and established procedures for ensuring a credible voters register.
