EC Limited Registration: 'Let's Give People In Authority Our Support'- NDC Told

Professor Smart Sarpong has appealed to political parties in the country to quit complaining about everything the Electoral Commission (EC) sets out to do in the name of advancing the electoral college of the country.

The Senior Research Fellow of the Kumasi Technical University wondered why the parties, particularly those in opposition, always oppose the Commission whenever it decides to improve its system.

To him, the ongoing limited registration exercise is in the right order, so called on the parties to give their support to the EC in making it a success.

The Electoral Commission on Tuesday, September 12, commenced the registration exercise and will end on Monday, 2nd October, 2023.

According to a statement by the EC, “persons who have attained the age of 18 years since the last registration exercise and those who for one reason or the other did not register in 2020, should visit the District Office where they reside with either their Ghana Card or their Ghana Passport”.

The Commission further stated that “eligible applicants who do not possess any of the identification documents listed above are required to present two (2) persons who are already registered voters to guarantee their registration” and added; “the General Public is informed that it is a criminal offence for non-Ghanaians (foreigners) and persons who are not 18 years and above (minors) to attempt to register."

But the National Democratic Congress have opposed the EC's restrictions and filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the process.

To Prof. Smart Sarpong, the use of Ghana Card as directed by the EC is a good move to rid the electoral system of irregularities.

"My position is that every person should get the Ghana Card and use it to register and vote," he said contrary to views that the use of Ghana Card will disenfranchise eligible Ghanaians.

"Let's give people in authority our support. Let's participate in the process led by people in authority...So, work with them. You can never have a perfect human being but, under the circumstance, you help them become perfect," he charged the political parties.