In a sharp response to the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s demand for an independent audit of the voters register, the Electoral Commission (EC) has questioned the party’s newfound interest in the credibility of the electoral roll. According to the EC, the NDC’s recent calls are surprising, given their silence on similar issues in past elections.
In a statement issued by the EC, officials pointed out that the NDC had overlooked glaring anomalies in the 2016 register, which allegedly included photos of plants and animals listed as voters. “Perhaps this is the first time the NDC has taken a genuine interest in the integrity of the register. Otherwise, one would have expected them to demand an audit of the 2016 register, which contained such bizarre entries,” the EC said.
The comment has ignited debates about the consistency of political parties when addressing electoral reforms. Critics are questioning why concerns about the register’s credibility, including these irregularities from previous elections, are only being highlighted now.
The NDC, however, maintains that the current demand stems from concerns over voter suppression and ensuring a fair electoral process ahead of future elections. They have reiterated their call for transparency and an independent audit to restore public trust in the electoral system.
As the 2024 elections approach, the ongoing tussle between the NDC and EC adds to the mounting pressure for electoral reforms, with stakeholders urging both sides to prioritize accountability and fairness.