According to the Electoral Commission (EC), it has given up on its plan to forbid the use of indelible ink during this year’s elections.
This comes after multiple opposition to the plan from Ghanaians and different political parties.
The decision was made to foster consensus and trust ahead of the December polls, according to Dr. Eric Asare Bossman, the Deputy Electoral Commissioner overseeing Corporate Services, who was speaking at the launch of the Multimedia Group’s 2024 Election Coverage.
“After listening to the discussions, we have heard the concerns of the general public, we have heard the parliamentarians, we have heard the concerns of the NPP and the NDC and civil society members so we have concluded that if by using the ink people will have more trust in the process, why not…” he stated.
The Electoral Commission (EC) was accused earlier by the Minority caucus in Parliament of violating the constitution by forgoing the use of indelible ink in the upcoming elections.
Speaking on the floor of parliament, South Dayi MP Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor and First Deputy Minority Whip Ahmed Ibrahim claimed that the EC’s action went against a law that was passed by the legislature to allow it to carry out its duties.
The problem of the indelible ink not being used is illegal. Mr. Speaker, you cannot bring a document outlining protocols before the Parliament and then, by administrative decree, decide that you will not follow them.
You cannot decide not to use indelible ink because it is required by the regulations we included in the instrument for the Electoral Commissioner’s efficient operation. The two NDC MPs had argued that she needed to take actions that would enable her to perform effectively.
However, the chair of the EC, Jean Mensa, had insisted that the Commission had taken sensible steps to guarantee a strong identification system and enhance the electoral process.
As a result of the widespread use of biometric technology, voting has become more difficult for some people, according to Madam Mensa.
She claims that the system records voter information after verification and voting, thwarting attempts at double voting.
