The Electoral Commission (EC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability as the nation prepares for the December 7 elections. This assurance comes in the wake of reports about ballot paper shortfalls in the Bono and Volta Regions.
The Commission clarified that these discrepancies were identified by its regional staff during routine verification processes, an essential procedure to ensure accuracy in the printing and distribution of ballot papers. In a memo addressed to political parties and printing houses, the EC highlighted that such verifications are a standard practice to detect and rectify any issues before Election Day.
Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairman of Operations, emphasized that the discovery of these shortfalls underscores the effectiveness of the Commission’s accountability measures. “It is the Commission's staff at the regional level that discovered these issues and reported back as required. The Commission ordered the reprinting of the shortfalls and informed political parties. The Commission has nothing to hide,” he stated.
The EC disclosed that similar ballot paper shortfalls were previously identified in the Greater Accra, Western North, Upper West, Western, and Bono East Regions. In each case, the Commission promptly informed political parties, conducted reprints, and ensured faulty ballot papers were destroyed under strict supervision. This demonstrates the EC's consistent efforts to involve political parties in its processes, reinforcing its dedication to transparency.
Addressing social media narratives that focus solely on shortfalls in the Volta Region while ignoring similar cases elsewhere, the EC described such claims as misleading and aimed at undermining its credibility. “Why would the Commission inform political parties in writing if it had anything to hide? The memo in circulation demonstrates the Commission's resolve to operate transparently and accountably,” Tettey remarked.
The EC has urged the public to disregard misinformation and seek clarity from official sources. It assured Ghanaians that robust measures are in place to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process. According to the Commission, its mechanisms require regional and district staff to meticulously review ballot papers against statistics provided to printers and political parties, ensuring all discrepancies are addressed.
By maintaining transparency and engaging stakeholders throughout the electoral process, the EC aims to uphold public trust and ensure credible elections for all Ghanaians.
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