EC confirms readiness for Special Voting on Monday

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced its readiness for the special voting exercise for Election 2024, scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024. This will take place across 276 designated voting centres nationwide.

The special voting process is designed for journalists, election observers, security personnel, and other key stakeholders who will be engaged on the main voting day, Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The EC Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, shared this update during a meeting with the National Security Task Force, led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, on Tuesday. She assured the public that all necessary arrangements for Monday’s exercise were in place.

Regarding preparations for the general election on December 7, Mrs. Mensa stated that 95% of ballot papers had been distributed, and biometric verification machines were being transported to district electoral offices for onward distribution.

She highlighted the EC’s successful nationwide voter registration exercise, which added over nine million new voters to the electoral roll. Additionally, a thorough manual and electronic exhibition of the voter register was conducted to ensure eligible voters could verify their details.

“Those unable to visit polling centres were provided an opportunity to verify their information online,” Mrs. Mensa said, emphasising the EC’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

During the interaction, Mrs. Mensa also disclosed that voter registers for most regions had been distributed and were securely under police protection. However, she noted that registers for the Northern, Bono, and Bono East regions were pending delivery but assured they would arrive soon. She reaffirmed the EC’s dedication to delivering a smooth and credible electoral process and urged all stakeholders to support the Commission.

Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, head of the National Election Security Task Force and IGP, commended the EC for its thorough preparations. “We have worked closely with the EC and can attest to the institution’s commitment to a credible and transparent election,” he said.

He assured the public of the security agencies’ readiness to ensure safety during the elections. “The Ghana Police Service, Immigration, the Army, and other security forces are committed to protecting the EC, its officials, and all citizens throughout the electoral process,” he emphasised.

Dr. Dampare also lauded Ghanaians for maintaining peace in the lead-up to the elections and encouraged continued unity. “Let us preserve the peace we have enjoyed and carry it through to the successful conclusion of the elections,” he urged.