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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) – UK and Ireland Chapter has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of secretly implementing the Peoples’ Representation Amendment Act (ROPAL).
The law aims to give Ghanaians living abroad the opportunity to vote in general elections.
But the party, in a press release, claimed that some members of the ruling PNP, in the diaspora, are being mobilized to travel to Ghana on or before September 29 with the aim of registering as voters for this year’s elections.
The statement, signed by the president, Alhassan Mbalba, stated that it is illegal for the EC to register these people in elections after the registration time has elapsed.
“There is an ongoing voter registration display exercise that started on the 18th and will end on September 25, 2020. Therefore, it would be illegal and a deviation of the registration of new voters before, during and after the display exercise according to as prescribed by law. “
Mr. Mbalba also accused two EC officials of giving conflicting opinions on the Commission’s dedication to implementing ROPAL ahead of the 2020 elections.
The party claimed that EC Vice President Dr. Bossman Asare had said, in an online post, that ROPAL cannot be implemented this year, while Director of Election Services Dr. Serebour Quiacoe stated that it will be implemented soon .
The (NDC) – UK and Ireland Chapter believes that it will be more beneficial for the EC President, Mrs Jean Mensa, to comment on these illegal occurrences.
They added that the President should also publish a statement to clarify her team’s position on the implementation of ROPAL.
Current events and comments from officials, Mbalba said, are causing confusion and anxiety among diasporates.
It is also increasing suspicions that the EC is not providing or promoting a free and fair playing field, he added.
“This can potentially destroy all the gains that Ghana has made so far in its democratic dispensation since the beginning of the fourth republic.”
