The decision to restrict indelible ink from usage in this year’s elections has reportedly been rescinded by the Electoral Commission (EC).
This comes after the suggestion was met with a great deal of opposition from Ghanaians and political groups.
Dr. Eric Asare Bossman, the Deputy Electoral Commissioner overseeing Corporate Services, stated that the move was imperative to foster confidence and agreement prior to the December elections, during the Multimedia Group’s 2024 Election Coverage launch.
“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 said.
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 conduct went against a law that was passed by the legislature to allow it to carry out its duties.
“The issue of the non-use of the indelible ink breaches the law…Mr Speaker, you cannot come to Parliament with an instrument where protocols have been outlined and you as an administrative fiat decide that you won’t go according to the protocol.
“The use of indelible ink is part of the regulations that we put in the instrument for the effective performance of the Electoral Commissioner so, you cannot decide that you would not apply it. She must do things that will help her perform effectively,” the two NDC MPs had argued.
However, the chair of the EC, Jean Mensa, had emphasized that the Commission had taken sensible steps to guarantee a strong identification system and enhance the election 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 technology records voter information after verification and voting, thwarting attempts at multiple voting.
However, the opposition NDC rejected this reasoning, with some asking the EC to reevaluate the proposal.
However, EC Chair Dr. Eric Asare Bossman backed the position, stating that the EC wanted to prevent duplicate verification in the general elections.
