The Electoral Commission (EC) has dismissed assertions by some civil society groups that the country does not seem ready enough for the general elections in November this year.
The Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Jean Mensa, in an interview with Citi News last week said the EC was not fully prepared because there was not enough education about the impending exercise.
[contextly_sidebar id=”OMU42idWZ8OnGfgFPUi8NduRfDWUVapi”]But reacting to the claims, the Principal Public Relations Officer of the EC, Sylvia Annor, gave assurances the EC was on course to conduct credible elections.
“We are preparing earnestly for the 2016 elections and we believe we are on track as far as the laws are concerned… We are on track meaning the kind of preparations that we ae supposed to do within this time frame, we are on course.” She stated.
Without giving specific indications as to what he EC was doing by way of preparations or addressing the concerns pertaining to citizen sensitization, Mrs. Annor remained optimistic the polls will come off successfully.
“Come November, you and I will know that we have gone a long way and we will hold the elections God willing.”
Concerns raised by the IEA
The IEA felt that there was not enough voter education ongoing with the dialogue on the election only revolving around the political leadership.
The IEA also expressed concern about the fact that the EC was not collaborating with the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) to raise awareness on the elections which is barely 7 months away.
They noted that early sensitization of voters will ensure a reduction in the rejected ballots which dominate the nation’s polls.
According to Jean Mensa, the voters’ register still needs some more work to be in tune with the expectations of the people.
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By Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana