The main opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly condemned a recent directive from the Deputy Chairman (Operations) of the Electoral Commission. The directive in the memorandum instructs all Regional Directors of EC to prevent political party agents from observing the ongoing voter transfer exercise, a move the NDC has criticized as an attempt to facilitate gerrymandering through unlawful voter transfers.
In his tempestuous press release, Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, described the directive as “Outrageous” and stressed that the Electoral Commission’s decision undermines transparency in the electoral process.
“It is sad that the Electoral Commission, which is supposed to be a neutral umpire and a champion of transparency in our electoral processes, has opted for opacity in such an important electoral exercise”, he said.
The NDC has questioned the motives behind the EC’s directive, suggesting that the Electoral Commission and the ruling NPP government may be attempting to obscure their actions from public scrutiny. “What do they have to hide that they do not want agents of political parties to observe the ongoing voter transfer exercise?”
According to the general secretary of the NDC, political party agents are viewed as crucial in promoting transparency and bolstering confidence in the electoral system.
Hon. Kwetey believes the Electoral Commission should support the involvement of these agents rather than seek to diminish their role.
Hon. Kwetey warned that the insistence on this directive could indicate a “devious and sinister agenda” by the EC to manipulate the processes leading up to the 2024 general elections.
In response, the main opposition party has instructed all its agents nationwide to defy and disregard the Electoral Commission’s directive.
The party’s regional and constituency secretariats have been directed to deploy agents to all district EC offices to monitor the voter transfer exercise vigilantly.
“With Eagle Eyes, the NDC shall remain vigilant through our trusted agents across the country and resist any attempt by the EC to engage in gerrymandering or manipulate the processes leading to the upcoming general elections”, Kwetey declared.
Additionally, the NDC has emphasized the need for protective measures for their agents against any potential intimidation, harassment or attacks. The NDC regional and constituency secretariats are advised to ensure the safety and security of the party agents as they carry out their monitoring duties.
The NDC’s call for vigilance underscores the party’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process as the nation prepares for the 2024 general elections.
