Cease Transporting Minors and Foreigners to Registration Centers - EC Warns Political Parties

The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a stern warning to political parties, urging them to dissuade their regional and constituency executives from ferrying minors and foreigners to registration centers.

In a press conference held in Accra, Deputy Electoral Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare emphasized the pivotal role of political parties in upholding the integrity of the voter register.

Dr. Asare denounced any efforts by parties to facilitate the registration of minors and foreigners, emphasizing that such actions pose a serious threat to the nation’s electoral process.

He further advised parents to take responsibility in preventing their underage children from registering as voters.

“We are consistently receiving reports indicating that minors and non-citizens are being encouraged by certain individuals affiliated with political parties to register as voters. The Commission has been made aware of an incident in the Western Region, particularly in Mpohor, where two individuals allegedly aided the registration of five minors and have since been apprehended by law enforcement. We take this opportunity to urge parents, especially, to dissuade their underage children from participating in the voter registration process.

“Similarly, we appeal to the national leadership of political parties to discourage their regional and constituency executives from transporting minors and foreigners to registration centers. The Commission’s primary goal remains to establish a credible voter register for the 2024 elections.

“We believe that political parties, being the key stakeholders in the electoral process, should be committed to ensuring the credibility of the voter register. Hence, any attempts by parties to facilitate the registration of minors and foreigners are entirely unacceptable and undermine the democratic principles of our nation.”

Dr. Asare also called upon law enforcement agencies to enforce existing laws against those apprehended, as a deterrent to others involved in facilitating the registration of minors and foreigners.

“We urge the Police to enforce the law against those apprehended, as a deterrent to others engaged in the illicit practice of registering minors and foreigners. It is imperative for underage individuals to understand that it is unlawful for them to register as voters.”