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The Electoral Commission decided to phase out the use of indelible ink in voter identification as a way to prevent multiple voting, but the People’s National Convention (PNC) and the Great Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP) have objected.
PNC and GCPP representatives claim that the matter was never fully discussed at the most recent Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting that took place in the aftermath of the EC’s limited registration drive.
Deputy General Secretary of the PNC Farudeen Yakubu expressed surprise at the EC’s decision, saying it wasn’t discussed at the most recent IPAC meeting.
Mr. Yakubu emphasized that the PNC was not involved in any talks regarding the phase-out of indelible ink, even though its General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary were present at IPAC.
He claimed that before a decision was made, such a crucial issue ought to have been carefully considered.
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, during an appearance on Kwabena Bobie Ansah’s show The Citizen’s Show on Accra 100.5 FM, Mr. Yakubu contested the EC’s ruling.
The General Secretary of the GCPP, Citizen Ato Dadzie, expressed a similar opinion, saying that the matter was not on the agenda for the IPAC meeting.
Mr. Dadzie claims that the topic was brought up in passing and that Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director of Electoral Services, was forced to clarify the EC’s intentions, stating that they were trying to lower election expenses because permanent ink prices were skyrocketing globally.
Mr. Dadzie demanded that the Peace Council step in and stop the EC from outlawing the use of indelible ink.
He emphasized that this choice, which is an important part of the electoral process, needs to be carefully thought through and discussed by political parties and other pertinent parties.
The two political parties have also disputed the decision to phase out indelible ink, claiming that there was insufficient discussion of the issue with political parties by the EC.
This dissent demonstrates the mounting apprehension and resistance to the Election Commission’s suggested electoral modifications.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
