The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed suspicion that the Electoral Commission (EC) has something to hide in respect of the missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections, raised the alarm during an interview on Yen Nsempa on Friday, May 10, calling out the EC’s reluctance to release the serial numbers of the BVR machines used during the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
Dr. Boamah stated that it’s common practice for serial numbers of BVR kits to be provided to political party agents both before and after each day’s registration process. He expressed confusion over why the EC would object to the NDC’s request for these serial numbers, emphasizing that public transparency is crucial, especially amid reports of missing BVR machines.
“This is public information, not something to hide,” he remarked, questioning the EC’s motives for withholding the data.
Read also:
It is risky – EC says as it turns down request by NDC for serial numbers of BVRs
The EC, however, has argued that disclosing the serial numbers could pose a security risk, suggesting it might compromise the integrity of the voter registration process. But Dr. Boamah pushed back, highlighting that the release of serial numbers for voting machines on election day has been a standard practice and that the NDC’s request is in line with this precedent.
“The serial numbers of the BVD machines that are in use, also because of the rampant changing and swapping of those machines at the registration centres by the Electoral Commission. This wasn’t the promise of the Electoral Commission. It promised Ghanaians that it was ready, all was set for registration to start, where are we heading now,” he said.
The NDC’s demands for the serial numbers serve two primary purposes: to track down the missing BVR machines and to ensure accountability through a comprehensive inventory. Dr. Boamah stressed that the disappearance of these kits is unprecedented and raises serious concerns about potential vote manipulation.
He pointed out that the EC had previously assured Ghanaians that it was prepared for the limited voter registration exercise, yet the current situation suggests otherwise. The NDC believes that the reluctance to share the serial numbers breeds mistrust and erodes public confidence in the electoral process.
Despite the EC’s resistance, the NDC has vowed to continue pressing for transparency and accountability. “The party will not relent on getting the serial numbers by all means possible,” Dr. Boamah affirmed.
This ongoing dispute underscores the growing tension surrounding the electoral process as the December elections approach.
BY DAAKYEHENE NANA YAW ASANTE
