AEI Suggests Parliamentary Audit of Electoral Roll

The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has joined calls for a forensic audit of the country’s Voters Register.

In a press statement, the Deputy Director of Communications and External Relations of the Institute, Joshua Nii Adjin-Adjin Tettey suggested the constitution of a Parliamentary committee in that regard.

He argued that the measure will accentuate potential vulnerabilities in the register and ensure the integrity and accuracy of the electoral process through a robust and healthier voter register.

“AEI believes a Parliamentary inquiry will help determine the validity of concerns raised by stakeholders, identify potential vulnerabilities in the register, and ensure the integrity and accuracy of the electoral process through a robust and healthier voter register.

“A parliamentary investigation will address the concerns of all stakeholders, especially parliamentarians who rely on the voters’ register for re-election since a credible and transparent electoral process is essential for Ghana’s democracy.”

The AEI isn’t the only Civil Society Organisation backing the call. On Monday, the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) released a statement, adding their voice to the calls.

“We propose that the Electoral Commission commit to an independent audit of the final voters’ register once it is completed and in good time. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the national interest and to work towards peaceful and credible elections in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.”

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) initiated the advocacy for a forensic audit, saying the roll is unfit for purpose.

However, the Electoral Commission (EC) is opposed to the idea. Last week, it held a press conference to reject the call as misguided.

“The Commission is of the view that such an audit will add no value whatsoever in a well-defined, tried and tested process documented for the cleaning and the strengthening of the Register. The question is, ‘Should the forensic audit be conducted, who will fix the discrepancies in the register?’ The answer is: it is the same Commission that will fix the discrepancies and that is what we are doing. It is for this reason that the EC is of the view that the call for a forensic audit is misguided.”