The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for issuing short notices on crucial electoral activities, claiming it undermines transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Dr. Rashid Tanko Computer, Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, speaking on ABC in the Morning, insisted that the EC must revise its timetable to ensure adequate engagement time.
“They should stop giving us short notices,” he said, adding, “As if we are some military regime—we don’t do that.”
The NDC’s concern was heightened by the EC’s recent announcement that ballot paper printing would begin on Friday, October 11, despite unresolved issues with the Provisional Voters Register (PVR).
Dr. Tanko expressed disbelief at the EC’s decision, stating, “You don’t have a register but are printing ballot papers?”
He further argued that the EC must first present a revised PVR for verification before proceeding with the printing.
“You can only print when you have a certified register, a register that has no issues, and we don’t have it as of now.”
Additionally, the NDC is demanding access to the EC’s ‘Cold Book’, which outlines the number of polling stations per constituency and voter statistics for each station.
Dr. Tanko emphasized that having this data is essential for verifying the accuracy of the ballot papers to be printed.
“Now when you have this, it will make it easier to generate the statistics for each polling station,” he noted, questioning the basis on which the EC plans to print without a finalized register.
Touching on the EC’s comment when they will provide the PVR, he indicated that, the NDC is patiently waiting.
The NDC is scheduled to meet with the EC today to discuss these pressing concerns.
BY RUTH SEKYI
