Register for 2020 polls, new voters’ roll or not, Mahama urges NDC
Mahama says all eligible Ghanaians must register for the 2020 election, regardless of whether the EC compiles a fresh register
The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Mahama, wants everyone to take part in the Electoral Commission’s voter registration exercise. He said that whether the EC decides to compile a new register or not, his supporters must endeavour to register to vote.
Mahama made this statement while engaging with the chiefs and people of the Tongor area of South Dayi in the Volta Region.
He called on the chiefs to use their influence to encourage citizens to register when the exercise begins next week.
“There is going to be a registration exercise, whether a limited registration, new registration exercise, or validation of an existing register,” Mahama said.
“Whichever registration it is, I would like to plead with Togbui to beat the gong to all our people to come out and register, so that in December they can register and exercise their votes.”
“We shall respect the verdict”
The NDC presidential candidate also acknowledged the party’s ongoing legal tussle with the EC.
He said the party is “law-abiding” and will respect any verdict by the Supreme Court regarding whether or not the EC should accept the existing voter ID as an identification document during the registration exercise.
As it stands, however, the Commission views the Ghana Card and the Ghanaian passport as the only valid documents for voter registration, starting with the exercise this year.
“We had disagreements with the Electoral Commission on what register to use and the matter has been at the Supreme Court and we are waiting for the Supreme Court for its verdict.
“Whatever verdict the Supreme Court gives, we are ready to be law-abiding citizens, so we shall respect the verdict of the court,” Mahama said.
Judgment adjourned
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed 25 June as the date for judgment in the case of the NDC and EC.
Judgment was originally scheduled to be given yesterday (23 June), but a seven-member panel of Supreme Court judges decided to adjourn indefinitely. This happened after an individual, Mark Takyi-Benson, filed a similar case challenging the EC’s decision to compile a new voters’ register but not accept the existing voter ID as a valid identification document.
The panel, presided over by Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, therefore decided to merge the two cases. The consolidated writ was filed today.
Judgment was adjourned indefinitely also to allow Takyi-Benson and his lawyers, as well as the Attorney General, to file their statements of case.
E A Alanore
* Asaase Radio 99.5 FM – now live on your radio. Tune in or log on to live streaming.
* Twitter: @asaaseradio995
