To Replace Or Not To

The case for replacing the current voter register has gathered momentum, with those in favour said to have gone international.

In our global world, every country wants to be associated with the comity of the civilised and best governance practices. Even countries with the worst governance practices want to be regarded as bastions of democracy.

We might have to be diplomatic somewhat by keeping the names of these countries under the lid. But suffice it to state that they are known to all who have been following international politics.

We do not think that Ghana would want to be left out when the roll call of the decent and cherishers of best electoral practices is being compiled. That could be the reason those with no known political allegiances are asking that the demand be considered for the sake of peace.

We have come a long way from the days of opaque ballot boxes and black and white voter ID cards.

We must refine our voting and collating practices to make it possible for those who win to be announced and presented the mantle of leadership.

The electoral register, the basis of credible polls, has been shredded and left with nothing to stand on.

The points raised about the flawed register, especially based on the undisputable infusion of foreign nationals, make the demands for the replacement even more compelling.

It is interesting the point raised by those who stand against the replacement, especially a minister. He said that the part of the country with most of the contaminants is not the only story; other parts of the country have a similar story. Is that not one of the reasons therefore to have it replaced?

It is important that we avoid ethno-political emotions when considering the need or otherwise for the replacement of the electoral roll.

As one of the political leaders mentioned, it is about Ghana and not any of the political parties in the country.

A situation where foreigners from nearby countries can easily come and register to vote and be voted for is certainly detrimental to national security. By and large and in the long run, the interests of the country would be compromised through such political recklessness.

In which of the countries providing us with the extra persons for our voter register will such breaches be tolerated?

We are pleased that the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev Prof Emmanuel Asante, has added his voice to the call. We would rather he does this with the robustness that the subject deserves.

From all indications, anything short of a fresh Ghanaian voter register – not an ECOWAS one -would not be acceptable to most citizens of this country.