EC Reverses Decision to Quit Indelible Ink Use in Elections


The Electoral Commission (EC) has opted to retract its earlier decision to abolish the usage of indelible ink in the upcoming elections due to widespread objections raised by Ghanaians and various political entities.

Related To This: Reconsider Your Decision To Quit The Use Of Indelible Ink In Elections - CODEO To EC

During the launch of the Multimedia Group's 2024 Election Coverage, Dr. Eric Asare Bossman, Deputy Electoral Commissioner overseeing Corporate Services, emphasized the importance of heeding the concerns expressed by the public, parliamentarians, political parties, and civil society. Dr. Bossman highlighted the necessity of fostering trust and consensus in preparation for the December polls, leading to the decision to retain the use of indelible ink.

Constitutional Concerns and Opposition

Criticism from the Minority caucus in Parliament was centered on the alleged breach of the constitution by the EC for shelving the application of indelible ink in the forthcoming elections. Members of Parliament, including First Deputy Minority Whip Ahmed Ibrahim and South Dayi MP Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, contended that this action violated regulations set by Parliament to enhance the EC's operational efficiency.

Related To This: Minority Alleges Constitutional Breach As EC Abandons Indelible Ink In Elections

Enhancing Identification Procedures

EC Chair Jean Mensa defended the decision, citing the implementation of robust identification measures through biometric technology to prevent multiple voting instances. The utilization of biometric verification was underscored as a reliable safeguard against duplicative voting, aimed at fortifying the electoral system's integrity.


Rationale for the Initial Proposal

Dr. Bossman elucidated the EC's earlier position, explaining that the use of indelible ink alongside biometric verification might present redundant layers in the identification process. The Commission's initial suggestion to forego indelible ink stemmed from a desire to streamline verification procedures and bolster confidence in the biometric register's accuracy.

Related To This: CODEO Expresses Disappointment With ECs Handling of District Level Elections

Commitment to Efficiency and Electoral Integrity

While concerns were raised by some quarters, the EC's decision to reconsider the indelible ink proposal reflects a commitment to promoting trust, transparency, and operational efficiency in the electoral process, aligning with the institution's mandate to ensure a credible and secure voting environment for all Ghanaian citizens.


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