We have nothing to hide – EC replies NDC over shortfalls in Volta Region ballots

The Electoral Commission has parried criticism by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over shortfalls in ballot papers meant for the Volta Region.

The Commission in a press release dated November 29 and signed by Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, said it has been transparent about all the shortfalls and discrepancies that have occurred as regards printing and distribution of ballot papers across the country.

The NDC had alleged that the EC is being dishonest with the cause of shortfalls in ballot papers for the Volta Region, which it considers as its ‘World Bank’.

The NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, Dr Edward Omane Boamae alleged in a Facebook post on November 29 that, “That Volta Region, our stronghold, is experiencing such avoidable errors in series is not lost on us…The Electoral Commission must explain to Ghanaians how the shortfall occurred. I shall personally attend the IPAC meeting today in order to bring the plight of Volta Region to the front burner this morning at 11am.”

In a rebuttal, Samuel Tettey wrote, “The Political Parties were duly informed in writing and the reprinting to cater for the shortfalls were carried out. Why the misleading information about shortfalls of Ballot Papers for only the Volta Region. If the Commission had anything to hide it would not transparently call for a reprint of Ballot Papers to make up for shortfalls.”

The Commission therefore “urged the General Public to disregard acts of mischief by persons whose sole objective is to malign the Commission and sow seeds of mistrust and doubts.”

Mr Tettey stated that the Commission’s Memo which Mr Boamah referenced in his post, “demonstrates the Commission’s resolve to operate above board – in a transparent and accountable manner. We entreat the General Public to carefully read the Commission’s Memos, which may find their way into the public space in order that they are not swayed by persons whose sole agenda is to cause fear and panic and tarnish the image of the Commission.”

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‘That Volta region, our stronghold, is experiencing such avoidable errors is not lost on us’ – NDC’s Director of Elections