CODEO propose recommendations for future voter registration exercise

 The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers, CODEO, says though the nationwide limited voter registration which ends today has been generally smooth and peaceful it was concerned with the low turnout of new registrants. CODEO is also concerned about what it described as lack of understanding of procedures for filing challenges against the eligibility of prospective registrants. CODEO is confident in the ability of the Electoral Commission, EC, in the conduct of the exercise, and  recommends that the EC improves its publicity and education campaign in future exercises in order to enhance public understanding of the registration procedures. The Coalition further urges all stakeholders, especially the political parties, to also constructively work with the EC to ensure that the outcome of the exercise is peaceful and credible. A statement signed by its Secretariat Staff, Mensah Aborampah, CODEO said the EC in future should intensify its education of the required documents acceptable for registration. This is because a considerable number of prospective registrants were not aware of the Supreme Court ruling on the NHIS Card and voter registration. The EC should also consider opening centers close to communities as the distances from the registration centers appear to be a factor for the low turnout in the rural areas. The EC should also use more directional signs; especially in the urban centers to enable people to identify registration centers.

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