The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared its intention to stage nationwide protests on September 17, 2024, in response to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to address concerns over discrepancies in the voter register.
The move comes after the party’s request for a forensic audit of the register was denied by the EC, fuelling fears of potential election irregularities.
According to the NDC, the recent voter exhibition exercise revealed significant anomalies in the voter register, which the party believes could undermine the credibility of the upcoming general elections. Despite raising these concerns with the EC during a formal meeting, the commission declined to conduct the proposed audit, leaving the NDC dissatisfied with the response.
NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, speaking after submitting John Mahama’s presidential nomination forms, announced the party’s plan for a nationwide protest. “On the 17th of September, the NDC will lead a demonstration in all 16 regional capitals, with our supporters marching to the EC offices,” he said. “In Accra, we will take our grievances directly to the EC headquarters, where we will formally present a petition demanding transparency and fairness.”
The planned protests are expected to draw significant attention, with NDC supporters converging at EC offices across the country. The demonstrations are seen as a critical part of the party’s efforts to ensure accountability and guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.
The NDC’s leadership has stressed that their objective is not to incite unrest but to hold the EC accountable for maintaining a credible voter register ahead of the December 2024 elections. Party officials believe the EC’s reluctance to audit the register raises concerns about the potential for voter suppression or manipulation.
Asiedu Nketiah further emphasised the importance of the protests, stating, “We cannot go into this election with unresolved issues in the voter register. It is the foundation of a free and fair election, and if the EC fails to act, the consequences could be dire for our democracy.”
Just months before the election, the NDC’s planned protests are likely to heighten tensions between the opposition party and the Electoral Commission, setting the stage for a politically charged period in the lead-up to the December polls.