Election delays are not our fault- EC

By Joyce Kpeglo

During a recent afternoon briefing, the Electoral Commission (EC) provided updates on issues arising during the voting process.

The Electoral commission answered to media questions about whether there are plans to extend voting time at centers where there were significant delays, particularly at the faith academy polling station that started voting at 11 am, four hours after elections officially commenced.

The EC clarified that the system ensures all voters present before 5pm will be able to cast their ballots, regardless of delays.

“Even if they are a thousand before 5pm, they will vote. We encourage all voters to stay until they vote,” the EC assured.

Addressing the case involving 15 ballot papers that omitted the first presidential candidate, Dr Bawumia, the EC noted that the police have issued a statement confirming the case is under investigation.

“The Commission has not taken a decision on that yet,” the spokesperson stated.

Reports of 210 missing ballots in Yendi were dismissed as false by the EC.

With Fourty thousand, six hundred and forty eight (40,648) polling stations staffed by temporary officials, the EC acknowledged that some individuals acted outside directives.

“As human beings, some may come with their own purposes, but the system has exposed them. It was an official who went against the directive, and they will be dealt with by the law,” said the EC.

The EC also clarified that no specific validation stamp is designated for presidential or parliamentary ballots. The purpose of the stamp is to identify foreign materials that may enter the system.

The EC concluded by encouraging voters to remain calm and committed, promising another update later in the day.