Henry Nana Boakye, National Organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly condemned the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) demand for a forensic audit of the voter register, labeling it “unwarranted, empty, and rejectable.” In a detailed Facebook post on Tuesday, Nana Boakye presented a robust argument, emphasizing that the NDC has failed to provide any legal basis for its request that the Electoral Commission (EC) surrender its constitutional mandate to a third party.
Boakye meticulously highlighted the relevant constitutional provisions and laws that grant the EC exclusive authority over the electoral process. Specifically, he cited Articles 45 and 46 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 2 and 3 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1993.
These provisions unequivocally confer on the EC the power to compile and manage the electoral register and supervise all elections.
To further bolster his argument, Boakye referenced several landmark Supreme Court cases. These include Philip Kwaku Apaloo (2010), Ransford France (2012), Abu Ramadan Series (No. 1 and 2), and NDC v AG (2020).
These cases consistently uphold the independence of the EC, affirming its autonomy in executing its constitutional mandate.
Nana Boakye also underscored the EC’s long-standing practice of collaborating with political parties to address concerns and resolve potential issues.
This cooperative approach has yielded five successful elections throughout the Fourth Republic. He argued that the NDC’s insistence on involving a third party in the EC’s constitutional mandate constitutes a blatant breach of the Commission’s independence.
Moreover, Boakye emphasized the EC’s engagement with political parties through the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), which provides a platform for constructive dialogue and problem-solving.
He noted that while the EC may engage stakeholders in its functions, this engagement does not confer a right to dictate the choices the EC makes in executing its constitutional mandate.
Boakye’s statement reaffirms the NPP’s commitment to upholding the Electoral Commission’s independence and authority.
He urged the rejection of the NDC’s call for a forensic audit, emphasizing that it undermines the EC’s constitutional role.
The ongoing debate surrounding the voter register’s integrity and the EC’s role continues to unfold as Ghana prepares for the December elections.
The NPP’s stance underscores the importance of maintaining the Electoral Commission’s independence, ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.
As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders must prioritize constructive dialogue and respect for the rule of law. By doing so, Ghanaians can trust that the electoral process will reflect the will of the people, strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
In the coming weeks and months, the EC, political parties, and civil society organizations will be closely watched as they navigate the complexities of the electoral process.
The NPP’s position on the voter register audit serves as a critical reminder of the need to safeguard the EC’s independence and ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.
