Audit the voter’s register to enhance your integrity

The call by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the Electoral Commission (EC) should be accepted by the latter in its own interest. Elections are bordered on trust and perceptions of trust, it is therefore essential that, the EC accept the call to audit the voter register ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Looking at the current tension between the EC and some political parties including the NDC as well as the lack of trust of the EC among a large section of the citizenry, an audit would be in the EC's best interest, as it would help clarify any concerns or allegations of a bloated voter roll raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other stakeholders. As stated by the Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, Prof Ernest Kofi Abotsi.

Auditing the voter’s register has the propensity of enhancing the EC’s credibility as well as demonstrating its willingness and commitment to credible, fair and transparent electoral process.

In my view, the EC should welcome these calls for an audit, as they serve to strengthen the institution's integrity and public confidence in the election system.

I agreed with Prof Ernest Kofi Abotsi, who stated that, “The EC’s position on the request for an audit of the register is baffling & even troubling! For even if they deny the merit of the claims, audits by their nature confirm or refute allegations, and for a constitutional body whose mandate is rooted in perceptions of fairness and neutrality, it is in its own interest and that of Ghana that it dispels, not fight, allegations of a bloated register through an audit.”

The electoral commission has the mandate to conduct free and fair elections and must ensure that all stakeholders trust the system. If concerns are raised about the process, the EC should work to clear any doubts in the minds of the people. The NDC is not asking for anything impossible, but a simple audit to ensure the process is trusted by all stakeholders.

In 2016, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) whiles in opposition demanded an audit of the voter’s register; even though it faced initial resistance from the EC, it eventually heeded to the demand, and the subsequent election went on peacefully, why can’t the same EC allow an audit of the register now?

If the EC has nothing to hide why must it be scared of auditing? After all, the auditing will prove that, the EC is a credible institution. It is important that, the National Peace Council, Christian Council, National House of Chiefs, National Muslims Council and all stakeholders impress upon the EC to accept the NDC’s call for the audit of the voter’s register