Digital cameras lead to suspension of voters’ register review

Listen to Mr. Owusu-Pare.

The delay in the procurement of digital cameras by the Electoral Commission (EC) has led to the indefinite postponement of the much awaited review of the voters' register.

The voters' register was expected to be reopened from May 8 to 17, 2008.

The EC issued a statement citing “Unanticipated difficulties in procurement of Data Capture equipment” as reasons for the postponement.

Today, however, the EC categorically stated that the postponement which ahs generated some consternation among political parties in the country was necessitated by the delay in acquiring digital cameras, printers and other machines for its work.

The EC is expecting a consignment of 2500 digital cameras, and accessories.

According to the EC, the digital cameras were expected to replace the Polaroid cameras that have been in use for some time now. The EC claims the Polaroid cameras have become obsolete.

The EC says, the digital cameras have a better advantage over the Polaroid cameras, because the user is able to see how the pictures would look after they are taken, unlike the Polaroid

Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Christian Owusu-Pare, the EC's Director of Public Affairs said the delay in receiving the digital cameras led to the indefinite postponement.

He also said, budget for the EC's projects are not released in bulk, but in stages.

Mr. Owusu-Pare said, he is not aware of how much the equipment cost neither does he know which country they are being procured from nor when the equipment would arrive in the country, but he was certain they were not being procured in Ghana.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi