EC schools Parliamentary candidates in U/E

U/E Reg. Dir of  EC, Bruce Ayisi

Hon John Tia in your shot

Some other participants

18-11-12     

In line with it effort to ensure credible election come December, the Upper East Regional office of the Electoral Commission (EC) in collaboration with DFID and Kaff Governance Consult (KGC), has organized a dialogue session for  parliamentary candidates in the region to brief  them on the activities of the commission prior to the upcoming general elections. The dialogue which was held at Bolgatanga and attended by parliamentary candidates and political party representatives was on the theme: ‘Enhancing the credibility of Ghana’s Election”. The purpose of the meeting was to demonstrate the commission’s commitment to maintaining the credibility of the polls and to reduce the possibility of violent confrontations by political party loyalists. It was also held to further deepen the confidence of the candidates on the forthcoming 2012 general elections. In his welcome address, the Regional Director of the EC, Mr. Bruce Ayisi   made it known that the commission was sure of providing professional delivery in the electoral process, stressing on the need for cooperation from the public. His submission stem from the fact that the EC over the years has exhibited high level of professionalism with respect to electoral conduct and assured the general public that the commission was set to conduct much credible voting exercise through the use of the biometric option, which he, noted has worked successfully  in other countries. The EC, Mr Ayisi, stated has been transparent and responsive in dealing with electoral issues, adding that the EC will not renege in its effort to maintain the status quo.  He announced that data from the regional office has 63 parliamentary candidates contesting for parliamentary seats in their respective constituencies. Out of the figure only 8 are women, a situation he said was not encouraging. Speaking to Radio Ghana after the session, the Deputy Regional Director of the EC, Mr.  Azu Bosco Anyigire, hinted that due to intense public education by his outfit, 65 percent of eligible voters in the region participated at the just ended voters exhibition exercise held nationwide.  This, he said, was encouraging and encouraged on electorates to come in their numbers to vote for their preferred candidates come December, 7. He pointed out that the EC will be very firm in conducting this year’s polls, stating that all rules with the collaboration of the security agencies would be applied to ensure a free fair and transparent election devoid of electoral malfeasance. According to him, the EC has checks in place for persons with all forms of disability and would ensure that they are well catered for. On the issue of double registration, Mr. Anyigire said his outfit will pursue persons that indulge in the act whilst applying the necessary sanction against them. He said with the aid of the biometric verification process, such persons would be disenfranchised. Mr Anyigire implored the media and the polling station agents to exercise high decorum in exercising their responsibilities and pledged the commission’s preparedness to ensure the safety of voters on the day of election. Some of the candidates, Radio Ghana spoke to, renewed their party’s commitment to peace before, during and after the elections.

GBC                                                  END                                                                 IA/