Former National Youth Organizer of the People’s National Convention (PNC) Abu Ramadan, has filed a suit at the Supreme Court demanding that the 2012 voters’ register be declared null and void.
Abu Ramadan argues that the Supreme Court’s ruling that the National Health Insurance Card was an illegal form of identification for voters strengthens his suit.
[contextly_sidebar id=”hNqMNlfH5RDfLDqZT8rZKgAVthYRea5O”]The Supreme Court a year ago ruled that the NHIS Card does not qualify anyone to be registered as a voter.
Ramadan’s suit comes at a time when debate for the compilation of a new register has deepened after the pposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), petitioned the Electoral Commission to replace the current register.
The party argues that the current register is not credible because it is bloated with names of foreigners and minors, an allegation the incumbent NDC has denied.
The Electoral Commission has since set up a five-member committee which collated the views of all parties and stakeholders at a recent public forum.
The committee is yet to come out with its recommendation which will be implemented by the EC.
The PNC’s Abu Ramadan is seeking the following reliefs.
Reliefs
1.A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 45(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992 (hereinafter, the “Constitution”) the mandate of the Electoral Commission of Ghana to compile the register of voters implies a duty to compile, fair and transparent register.
2. A declaration that the 2012 Voters Register which contains the names of persons who have not established qualification to be registered is inconsistent with Article 42 and 45 (a) and therefore unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect.
3. An order setting aside the 2012 Voters Register and compelling the Electoral Commission to compile fresh Voters Register before any new public election or referendum is conducted in this country.
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By: Sammy Wiafe/citifmonilne.com/Ghana