The African Electoral Institute has commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for successfully organising a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, to press their demand for the Electoral Commission of Ghana to subject the 2024 voter register to a forensic audit.

In a statement, the Institute said the 1992 Constitution allows citizens who may be aggrieved by any policy or decision that is unpopular or contrary to their beliefs and aspirations to use appropriate tools to express their grievances to the relevant authorities for redress.

One such tool is demonstration, it noted, as exercised by the NDC, instead of resorting to violence or any other unconstitutional means.

The African Electoral Institute reiterated its commitment to good democratic governance in Ghana, noting: “Good governance can only be achieved if the processes leading to changes in government, or the endorsement of sitting governments through elections, are not unnecessarily laborious.”

“The African Electoral Institute believes this is achievable with free, fair, transparent, and accountable elections, beginning with a healthy, robust, and acceptable voter register for all political stakeholders,” it added.

Additionally, AEI said it “believes that subjecting the voter register to a forensic audit will not harm the Electoral Commission but will rather enhance its credibility and commitment to organising free and fair elections. This will honour both the Electoral Commission and the country as a whole. The AEI, therefore, urges the Electoral Commission to reconsider its stance.”

The Institute noted that it is “equally pleased to hear both the Minority and Majority Leaders of Parliament express their willingness to reconvene Parliament to address this issue when the NDC presented their petition. This is in line with our call on the Parliament of Ghana, through a press release and a letter dated 16th September 2024, to take up this matter and find a workable solution that will resolve the impasse to the satisfaction of all parties.”

“In light of the foregoing, the African Electoral Institute reminds the Electoral Commission of Ghana and all political stakeholders that they owe the people of Ghana peace. They must do everything in their power to ensure the country remains united before, during, and after the elections on 7th December 2024. Anything short of this will be unacceptable, and they will be held accountable by Ghanaians.”

Source: ClassFMonline