The Electoral Commission (EC) has put the necessary measures in place to lawfully compile a new voters register in the country ahead of the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The Second Vice Chairman for Suame Constituency of New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Richard Asante, who disclosed this, asserted that members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), can even cry ‘blood’, the EC will compile same for Ghanaians to have a credible register for the elections.
Mr Asante was commenting on the ex-parte injunction, secured by Hon Sam George, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram against the EC’s planned workshop at the Escape Hotel in Accra.
He disclosed the act of the MP, after securing the injunction and subsequently reported same act to the police to restrain the EC, constitutes a distrust and disrespect for the same court which granted him, the injunction order.
According to him, the lawmaker should have known better by pursuing contempt of court against the commission if it defies the court order adding the police have no legal mandate to enforce such order.
The Vice Chairman, asserted that nothing from the NDC, can prevent the EC from compiling the register for the upcoming elections.
“If the series of demonstrations embarked by the NDC in some parts of the country, weren’t baseless and fruitless, why should the MP, seek redress from Court”? He asked.
Mr Asante disclosed the commission barely a week ago, laid a Constitutional Instrument (CI) before Parliament and per the law, it will mature in 21 days.
He noted that after it’s maturity and subsequent approval by parliament , the commission will then commence the compilation exercise nationwide.
Mr Asante believed when parliament is suspended on Thursday and resume on 19th May 2020, then the commission after the approval, could start the compilation in mid of June , this year.
After the Parliamentary approval, according to the Vice Chairman, no court of competent jurisdiction in the country, can turn or nullify same.
According to him, this exercise among other activities including voter register exhibition, sandwiched by Covid-19, it will be difficult for the political parties to get time to embark on vigorous campaign, adding His Excellency President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo has no intention whatsoever to postpone this year’s elections as a move to extend his term.
