The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has clarified recent concerns about shortages of ballot papers in certain regions ahead of the December 7 general elections. While the Volta and Bono Regions have been spotlighted, the Commission has revealed that the issue extends to other areas, including Greater Accra, Western North, Upper West, Western, and Bono East Regions.
Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bossman Asare, made this disclosure during an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on November 29, amidst growing apprehension from political parties and the public.
Dr. Asare explained that the EC had formally notified political parties of the ballot shortfalls through communications dated November 22 and November 28. He emphasized that the Commission had already initiated reprints to address the shortages across the affected regions.
โThe shortfalls were identified in multiple regions, not just the Volta Region. The political parties were duly informed, and the reprints were processed to ensure adequate ballot supply,โ Dr. Asare stated. โThe transparency of this process underscores our commitment to maintaining trust and accountability,โ he added.
Public Reassurance and Transparency Efforts
With just days to the elections, Dr. Asare urged the public and political stakeholders to remain calm as the Commission works to resolve the issue promptly. He criticized attempts to sensationalize the situation, urging Ghanaians to scrutinize official EC communications rather than rely on speculative social media posts.
โThe Commission has no reason to hide or mislead. If there was any ill intent, we would not openly acknowledge the shortfalls and take corrective action. Misinformation is only serving to create unnecessary panic and mistrust,โ he said.
Dr. Asare also reiterated the ECโs dedication to conducting transparent elections, reassuring the public of the Commissionโs resolve to deliver a credible electoral process.
Call for Cooperation
Dr. Asare called on political parties and their supporters to cooperate with the EC during this period, emphasizing the importance of unity and trust in safeguarding Ghanaโs democratic values. โWe appeal to all stakeholders to focus on the bigger pictureโensuring a smooth and fair election that reflects the will of the people,โ he noted.
This clarification follows a series of discussions around election preparedness, with political tensions heightened as the nation approaches its critical polls. The ECโs proactive engagement with stakeholders, including the reprinting of ballots to rectify identified gaps, reflects its efforts to ensure every eligible voter has an opportunity to cast their ballot.
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