The Supreme Court has given the Attorney Generals Office a two day ultimatum to respond to a suit filed by former National Youth Organiser of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Abu Ramadan and one Evans Nimako, who are alleging that the current voters’ register is bloated.
The two dragged the Electoral Commission (EC) to the Supreme Court seeking an annulment of the entire voters’ register.
[contextly_sidebar id=”gPrFIfoLZ0rmPqK51UVfrPgBH1vaoX8g”]The AG’s office was expected to respond to the suit as second defendant about a fortnight ago, but failed to do so citing some technical challenges.
The two gentlemen want a declaration that the current voters’ register which contains the names of persons who have not established qualification to be registered, is not reasonably accurate or credible and therefore inconsistent with Article 45(a) of the Constitution thereby making same unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect.
The case has been adjourned to the 14th of April 2016.
Agitations for new voters’ register
Some pro-opposition pressure groups including the Let My Vote Count Alliance had mounted pressure on the Electoral Commission to compile a new voters’ register for the 2016 election, claiming that the current one is bloated with names of minors and foreigners hence it is not fit for the upcoming election.
Analysis
Abu Ramadan in his substantive case is asking the Supreme Court to declare the current voters’ register null and void.
The much anticipated November polls might be called off or postponed if the court rules in his favour.
Abu Ramadan’s injunction suit
The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed an application for injunction to restrain the Electoral Commission (EC) from going ahead with the Abuakwa North constituency by-election and the limited registration exercise.
Abu Ramadan was seeking for the injunction to allow for a completion of the substantive case.
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By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana