Jean Mensa
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to guarantee that its proposal to end polling at 3:00 pm during the 2024 elections will not disenfranchise voters.
Previously, the EC justified its decision to shift the voting closing time from 5pm to 3pm for the upcoming election. EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa emphasized that this adjustment aims to facilitate transparent and orderly vote collation by electoral officers in daylight.
During an inter-party dialogue and stock-taking conference organized by the National Peace Council in Aburi, Jean Mensa explained that the proposal stemmed from lessons learned during the 2020 elections, where approximately 70 percent of voting centers experienced minimal activity by 1pm.
The Director of Communications for the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, addressed the proposal in an interview with Eyewitness News on Citi FM. Ahiagbah expressed cautious optimism but stated that the NPP would only accept the proposal if the EC assured them that voters would not be inconvenienced or turned away.
“We receive that with some cautious optimism, to the extent that the EC can provide us with the necessary comfort that electorate would not be found wanting on the day of the election. But assuming that they provide that comfort for us, it is ideal for us to be able to close the polls early so that collation and things that need to be done to prepare results are done in daylight before dark,” Ahiagbah said.
He emphasized the importance of voters not being turned away due to the proposed change in polling time.
The NPP stressed that the commission must ensure that voters are given the necessary assurance and comfort they deserve for a smooth voting process.
As discussions continue regarding the proposed change in polling time, it is crucial for the Electoral Commission to engage with political parties and stakeholders to address concerns and find a solution that guarantees the participation and rights of all eligible voters.
By Vincent Kubi