The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is demanding a thorough, independent examination of the 2024 provisional voters register (PVR) through a forensic audit, as well as a five-day re-exhibition of the register to guarantee its accuracy and integrity.
During a private meeting with the Electoral Commission on Friday, the NDC expressed concerns about errors and discrepancies found in the voters register during the recent exhibition exercise, prompting their request for an independent forensic audit to ensure the register’s accuracy and integrity.
The NDC showcased a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting, illustrating anomalies such as voter transfers to different polling stations without corresponding updates on the original polling station’s absent list, indicating potential discrepancies in the voter register.
The NDC also pointed out additional anomalies, including voter transfers made in 2023 that were incorrectly included in the 2024 transfers, unidentified or unclear voter transfer paths, and other discrepancies and irregularities.
Here’s a paraphrased version:
The NDC conducted a comparative analysis of the 2023 voter register and the 2024 provisional register provided by the EC using SQL Database. The analysis aimed to verify voter presence, detect polling station changes (legitimate or illegitimate), and identify transfer categories.
At the meeting, NDC’s Director of Elections, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, expressed concerns about the register’s accuracy, describing it as “defective” due to delayed release, errors, and unauthorized voter transfers.
“If we had had enough time, the EC may not have found itself in this quagmire of numerous avoidable errors that have confronted Ghanaians since the register was exhibited. As usual, we would have shared the detected defects with the EC,” he said.
Dr. Boamah revealed that the NDC has identified numerous anomalies, including unauthorized voter transfers, and is now seeking answers on the extent of manipulation, system vulnerabilities, and the potential consequences for the integrity and fairness of the impending elections.
“If a forensic audit could be avoided, we would never have opted for that path – unfortunately, under the present circumstances, a forensic audit is unavoidable and non-negotiable,” he said.
The party is demanding that the EC summon an urgent meeting with stakeholders to discuss the discrepancies and irregularities, and to undertake a thorough forensic audit of the voter register to ensure its accuracy and integrity.
