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The recent exhibition of the provisional voters register has been marred by low participation, with concerns raised over inadequate public education and procedural discrepancies. Geoffrey Attakli-Banini, the immediate past Constituency Chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ablekuma South Constituency, expressed his dismay at the situation, squarely placing blame on the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa.
Attakli-Banini, who took it upon himself to monitor the exercise across the five electoral areas in Ablekuma South Constituency – Korle Gonno, Korlebu, Mamprobi, Chorkor, and New Mamprobi – reported disheartening scenes of confusion and frustration among registrants. Many, he noted, were unable to locate their designated polling stations, since the recent limited registration exercise was not carried out within the Constituency, let alone the electoral area, as mandated by law.
Speaking passionately about the issue, Attakli-Banini did not mince his words. He called out the EC for what he termed as “gross incompetence” and decried the lack of an effective public education campaign preceding the exhibition exercise.
“It is disheartening to witness the level of disorganization and confusion that has marred this crucial exercise,” Attakli-Banini declared. “The low turnout we’re witnessing is a direct consequence of the Electoral Commission’s failure to adequately educate the public and ensure that registrations were done correctly within the appropriate constituencies and electoral areas.”
Attakli-Banini’s observations underscore a wider sentiment of dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission’s handling of voter registration and exhibition processes. The stakes are high in this democratic process, with citizens relying on a smooth and transparent exercise to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
Efforts to reach the Electoral Commission for a response to Attakli-Banini’s allegations were unsuccessful at the time of publishing. However, it is clear that the concerns raised by the former Constituency Chairman highlight the need for a thorough review and improvement of the electoral process to ensure that every eligible voter is afforded the opportunity to participate in the democratic process without hindrance or confusion.
As the exhibition exercise came to an end yesterday, all eyes remain on the Electoral Commission to address the grievances and concerns raised by Geoffrey Attakli-Banini and other stakeholders, in order to restore confidence in the electoral process and uphold the principles of democracy in Ghana.
Source:locotvgh.com