The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its determination to resist any attempts by the Electoral Commission (EC) to manipulate the 2024 elections. The NDC has accused the EC of planning to rig the polls by insisting on using the Ghana Card as the only source document for voter registration.
During a Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) event at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the NDC flagbearer and former president, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the concerns surrounding the upcoming elections. He emphasized the NDC’s commitment to preventing any sinister plots by the EC to manipulate the outcome of the elections.
Mahama stated, It is in this light that we in the NDC wish to make clear that we will resist and prevent any sinister plot by the EC to manipulate the outcome of the 2024 elections even before the first ballot is cast through the needless and unapproved insistence of the Ghana Card as the only means of registration. The EC remains intransigent and appears determined to make it difficult for sections of our population to have their names on the voter register.
This is not the first time the NDC has raised concerns about the EC’s actions. The party previously accused the commission of scheming to rig the polls. Their latest concerns are centered around the EC’s decision to make the Ghana Card the sole document for voter registration, excluding other valid identification documents.
The NDC argues that this move could disenfranchise a significant portion of the population who do not possess a Ghana Card, particularly the poor and marginalized communities. They believe that the EC’s insistence on the Ghana Card as the only means of registration is an attempt to suppress votes from certain demographics, ultimately manipulating the election outcome.
The EC, on the other hand, maintains that the use of the Ghana Card ensures the credibility of the electoral process by eliminating the possibility of multiple registrations and inaccuracies in the voter register. They defend their decision by stating that the Ghana Card is a secure and reliable document for voter identification.
However, the NDC firmly stands against this reasoning, viewing it as a deliberate attempt to tilt the playing field in favor of the ruling government. They argue that the EC’s choice to prioritize the Ghana Card disproportionately affects segments of the population who may struggle to obtain the card due to various reasons, including financial constraints and limited access to registration centers.
The NDC’s resistance to the EC’s plans aligns with their commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. They are determined not to allow themselves to be cheated and will actively work to prevent any attempts at manipulation.
While the NDC’s concerns are rooted in their desire to safeguard democratic principles, it is important to note that the EC has a responsibility to address these concerns and ensure that all eligible citizens have equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. Striking a balance between security and inclusivity is essential for a truly democratic system.
As the 2024 elections draw nearer, tensions between the NDC and the EC may escalate. It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in open and constructive dialogue to address these concerns and foster a democratic environment where every citizen’s voice is heard. Only through genuine collaboration and a commitment to fairness can Ghana’s democratic values be upheld.
