The Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), William Obeng Adarkwa, has assured the public that the Commission is fully prepared to conduct a smooth and efficient special voting exercise ahead of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The special voting is scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024.
Special voting, a constitutional provision, enables security personnel, journalists, and other essential workers engaged on election day to cast their votes early. According to Mr. Adarkwa, this arrangement ensures such individuals are not disenfranchised while performing their national duties during the general elections.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Adarkwa disclosed that the EC has finalized arrangements to ensure the exercise’s success. He emphasized that logistical challenges faced in previous elections have been resolved, with comprehensive training provided to polling officials and supervisors to ensure seamless operations.
“All polling stations designated for special voting have been prepared, and we have thoroughly trained our officials to ensure efficiency and transparency,” Mr. Adarkwa stated.
He added that the voter registers for the special voting group have been updated and displayed to eliminate errors and ensure inclusivity.
Mr. Adarkwa urged eligible voters for the special exercise to verify their details on the voters’ list and familiarize themselves with their designated polling stations.
He reiterated the EC’s commitment to delivering credible elections and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
The discussion with A1 Radio formed part of a collaborative effort between the station and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The initiative, titled “Countering Hate Speech and Polarizing Narratives to Foster Democratic Consolidation and Peace in Ghana,” aims to strengthen the electoral process by promoting tolerance and responsible information sharing.
The project seeks to educate the public on the importance of peaceful political discourse, counter divisive and toxic narratives, and foster inclusive dialogue, especially during the election period. The initiative contributes to the broader goal of consolidating Ghana’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
The discussion facilitated by A1 Radio provides a crucial platform for addressing concerns, clarifying processes, and promoting understanding ahead of the election. By engaging key stakeholders, such as the Electoral Commission and civil society organizations, it helps demystify electoral processes and address common anxieties among the public. Clear communication about preparations, security measures, and checks reassures citizens that their votes will count and that the process will be transparent.
Additionally, the conversations encourage collaboration among political actors, fostering an environment of mutual respect and tolerance. During the discussions, listeners called in to seek clarifications on issues and voice their grievances, further enhancing public confidence in the electoral process.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
