The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to address the several critical issues observed during the commencement of the voter registration exercise on May 7, 2024.
The AEI stressed equipment malfunctions and significant delays at several registration centres, which could potentially escalate tensions during actual election periods.
According to AEI’s observations, numerous registration centres experienced issues with non-functioning equipment and did not start the registration process on time.
These early glitches raise concerns about the preparedness of the EC for future electoral activities.
The Director of Communications and External Relations at AEI, in a statement, emphasized the importance of reliability in the electoral process.
“It is essential for the credibility of our electoral system that all equipment be thoroughly tested and operational before the day of registration, and that activities commence on schedule,” they stated.
AEI also directed a call to action towards security agencies, urging them to maintain peace and order at all registration centres, to ensure a smooth continuation of the voter registration exercise.
Founded as a Civil Society Organisation, AEI has been pivotal in providing sustainable electoral solutions across both emerging and developed democracies.
Their work includes electoral education, research, monitoring, and observation, aimed at enhancing transparency and participation in electoral processes.
AEI hopes that their recommendations will be implemented swiftly to avoid any potential conflicts and to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the AEI has entreated all first-time voters, who turned 18 years after the last voter registration exercise, to do well to register during this exercise.
It reminded the public that, unlike previous registrations whereby the registration is taken to polling stations, this time, the registration exercise will be carried out at the EC’s District Offices across the country.
“The African Electoral Institute (AEI) thus encourages qualified persons to locate the District Office of the EC in their locality and register.
“The African Electoral Institute (AEI) recommends that the Electoral Commission of Ghana publishes a list of all its District Offices (registration centres) and their location. The EC may also add a GPS address to these district offices,” the AEI urged the Commission.