Mahama demands details on upcoming limited voter registration

Former President John Mahama has demanded the details from the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) on the upcoming Limited Voter Registration Exercise.

Mr. Mahama added that acquiring a voter ID affirms one’s right to vote, and access to a voter ID should be easy and not limited by location adding that every Ghanaian deserves the chance to exercise their democratic right.

“I strongly urge the Electoral Commission to facilitate the registration exercise in all electoral areas to allow for easy access and a reduced burden on the citizenry in their quest to register. I challenge the Commission to be transparent with the processes preceding the start of the limited voter registration exercise, the replacement of voter ID cards, and the transfer of votes.

“As has been requested in a formal letter to the Commission by the General Secretary of the NDC, we want to know when the names and pictures of the Registration Supervisors, Registration Officers, Registration Assistants, and other officials for the exercises will be published at the district level, as stipulated by the EC regulations,” Mr. Mahama explained in statement.

According to him, the NDC has also requested information on the exact number and distribution of workstations, registration kits, and other logistics.

“It is also our recommendation that in line with Regulation 2(2b) of C.I. 91, as amended by C.I. 126, the Commission listens to calls for the extension of the exercise to take place in the electoral areas and not be limited to the district offices of the Commission. This will curb many inconveniences, including transportation, lack of money to move from distant locations, and access.

“At this point, let me encourage my comrades in the NDC to put aside every other thing or activity and let’s give our maximum attention and focus to the upcoming exercise.”

He further stated that “Start making the necessary arrangements to register and get your voter ID card. My brothers and sisters, our young people, fellow countrymen and women, it is no secret that Ghana, our beloved country, is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis. More than ever before, the lives of our people today are defined by a daily struggle to eke out a living. We are seeing our daily cost of living skyrocket and job opportunities becoming more difficult by the day.

“Our people – the youth, the elderly, drivers, market women, civil servants, security personnel, teachers, journalists, nurses, and doctors – are experiencing a sense of hopelessness on a scale never witnessed in recent memory. This dire situation calls for urgent action, and the most powerful tool at our disposal is our right to vote.

“President Akufo-Addo and his administration have failed to address the pressing economic challenges they have exerted on the people of our country – misapplying our precious scarce resources and overspending on their creature comfort and largesse instead of building the critical infrastructure this country needs for job creation and development.

“Their promises during their campaigns have yet to be fulfilled, leaving the ordinary Ghanaian burdened with the consequences of their incompetence, cluelessness, and shameless arrogance.

“Today, some Ghanaians glorify and make excuses for corruption because the NPP has allowed it to permeate every facet of our society. This must never be accepted as the norm. It hinders progress on many fronts, denying our youth opportunities that should have come their way if state resources were meaningfully applied.”

Source: Today.com.gh