NDC calls for an impartial investigation into reported theft of EC laptops

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded an immediate, impartial investigation and unbiased audit to uncover the circumstances surrounding the theft of the missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits from the Electoral Commission’s headquarters.

The NDC asserts that without a thorough examination of this matter, the 2024 elections cannot be considered free, transparent, and fair. This call comes following the Electoral Commission’s recent announcement of the suspension of three officials over the alleged theft of BVRs.

Addressing the issue at the ‘Moment of Truth’ series at the NDC headquarters, the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, emphasized that the EC must not underestimate the seriousness of the missing equipment.

He expressed apprehension that the EC’s handling of the situation erodes trust in the integrity of the forthcoming elections.

“In response to this critical situation, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outlined clear and non-negotiable demands to safeguard the integrity of our electoral system:

1. – An official written response to the 35 crucial questions raised by the NDC during the IPAC meeting regarding the status and recovery efforts concerning the stolen biometric devices.
2. – We demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the theft of the BVR laptops and related biometric equipment, including a forensic audit of the voter’s register. This investigation must be carried out by an independent body and complemented by international observers to ensure impartiality and confidence.
3. – The outcome should be a detailed report that not only identifies those responsible but also proposes significant corrective actions to prevent similar breaches in the future,” he stated.

Furthermore, the NDC is urging for a comprehensive audit of the EC’s inventory and security protocols, encompassing all BVR and BVD equipment, to be conducted by an independent auditor.

“We call for a comprehensive audit of the EC’s inventories and security measures, covering all BVRs and BVD equipment. This audit must be conducted by an independent auditor to ensure the integrity of all electoral materials,” the General Secretary added.