Vote Transfer Exercise EC Reverses Decision on Involvement of Political Party Agents in Exercise

The Electoral Commission has annulled its decision to bar agents of political parties from observing the ongoing votes transfer exercise which commenced on May 30, 2024 across all District offices in Ghana.

The Electoral Commission on Sunday, June 2, 2024, issued a directive to its regional directorate not to allow agents of political parties to observe the ongoing transfer of votes exercise.

This decision by the Electoral Commission became expedient following a horrid violence that ensued between agents of the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The conflict erupted in some district offices as a result of an attempt made by the agents of the parties to prevent voters to transfer their votes.

The unfortunate incidence which led to some persons sustaining various degrees of injuries, had to be addressed, thus, the decision to disallow the political party agents from observing the proceedings.

The directive from the Electoral Commission received countless reactions, hence, the Electoral Commission making a U-turn to allow agents to observe the proceedings.

However, the Commission explained that "during the last meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) preceding the Transfer of Votes Exercise, the Commission took the view that in the spirit of enhancing transparency, the Agents of Political Parties should be allowed to OBSERVE the Transfer of Votes Exercise, adding that the decision taken by the commission was a departure from past Transfer Exercises where Agents of Political Parties were not allowed to OBSERVE the Exercise."

"The Commission was of the view that, the involvement of the political parties in the exercise would further deepen the trust and confidence in the electoral process, hence the decision to allow them even though the Law was silent on this." 

The Commission stated that, the decision has been revoked, however, political parties must ensure that their agents put up the best of behaviours at the various transfer centres..Kobina Darlington/