EC MUST FINISH HARD

Page 7: Daily Graphic, April 28, 2012. UNDER the auspices of the Electoral Commission (EC), Ghanaians have been preparing for this year’s general election by participating in the biometric voters registration (BVR) exercise. Apart from the initial teething problems, particularly logistical challenges and a lack of understanding of the process, the exercise has also been characterised by a number of nasty incidents at some registration centres since it began on March 25, 2012. Many of us had anticipated that after the first two phases, the challenges associated with the exercise would have been addressed. Regrettably, however, the challenges continue to persist. Some prospective voters and political parties continue to complain about the shortage of materials, the breakdown of equipment and fighting between those desirous of registering and party agents who do not understand the process, as well as an understanding of the definition of who is ordinarily resident at a place. The only thing that has seen remarkable improvement is the hordes of people who form queues. We believe that many of those who rushed to register in the first and second phases might have done so with the view not to be left behind in the exercise. Although we are in the fourth and final phase of the exercise, there are still reported challenges, particularly with regard to the shortage of materials and a breakdown of equipment. It is in this vein that we call on the EC not to overlook the issues being raised by the political parties and prospective applicants. We believe that the commission, in addressing the issues raised by the stakeholders, will help build a reliable and accurate electoral register which is the foundation of any credible election. The Daily Graphic wishes to draw the attention of the EC and all the stakeholders to the fact that some of the reasons for civil strife in failed states are attributable to disputes over electoral matters. We believe it is to avoid plunging this beautiful country of ours into a state of conflict that, since 1992, there has been improvement in the conduct of our elections. From the days of ordinary ID cards through to ID cards with photographs, from opaque ballot boxes to transparent ones, Ghana has come far in its democratic journey. Apart from being a shining star on the continent as a result of the democratic successes chalked up, Ghana has benefited from the peace and stability of the country. That is why we believe we must all put our shoulders to the wheel to ensure successful elections in December 2012. The Daily Graphic thinks that Ghanaians cannot afford to do anything untoward to undermine such confidence reposed in the country and thereby derail the positive developmental gains made in the past as a result of political stability. We, therefore, call on the EC to take urgent steps to address the challenges confronting the process. If it requires that the exercise be extended, the EC must do so to get all eligible voters on the electoral roll. The EC mush finish hard and end the exercise on a good note. It must also begin preparing for the December polls in earnest to prevent any catastrophic consequences which may result from systemic failure on election day.