Elections in Ghana: EC Satisfied With The New Voters Registration Pilot

The Electoral Commission (EC) after organizing the two-day nationwide test of laid down systems, protocols, and voter registration machines for the compilation of the new voters’ register has indicated it is satisfied with the new Biometric Voters Register (BVR) kit and processes.

The practice was to test the effectiveness of the machine even before mass registration exercise is carried out later this month for the 2020 national election.

Except for the Western Region, where there’s been a technical adverse effect, registration in all 15 regions in the country has been effective.

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According to The Director of Elections at the Commission, Dr. Serebour Quarcoo,  who spoke to the press, the exercise was fruitful. He added that the overall national assessment showed it took less than 10 minutes for an applicant to complete the registration process.

He also asserted that the efficiency and number of persons registered increased as the days went by.

Dr. Quarcoo said the Ahafo region had the largest number of registered voters at the end of the session as they recorded 83 and 105 respectively. The voter region followed with 100 applicants.

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Based on his analysis, the EC was satisfied with the outcome of the registration exercise. All the registration centers, safety protocols were observed from queuing to protective clothing for staff and security personnel present at all registration centers. There were hand washing facilities and thermometer guns for the use of designated officers at the registration centers.

Civil Society Organizations and political parties are among stakeholders who have indicated their worry over the number of voters who will be disenfranchised due to the EC’s decision to permit only holders of Ghana Cards and Passports to register for the new voter’s ID card.

This has raised serious concerns and the National Council of Chiefs have also asked the EC to ensure it gives a listening ear and thought to stakeholders.