The Electoral Commission (EC) has decided against doing away with the guarantor system in preparation for the next limited voter registration drive.
During the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, which was called to discuss the electoral calendar, political parties were informed of this decision.
Attendees at the meeting attested to the fact that the originally suggested schedule, which did away with the guarantor system, was revised in response to feedback from all political parties and is currently approved.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Director of Elections, Dr. Omane Boamah, stated that his party is happy with the results and that he is satisfied with the revised schedule that the Electoral Commission presented.
“I can’t recollect a disagreement, very cordial meeting chaired by the chairperson herself Jean Mensa. The calendar was for the first time put out we discussed the calendar and made inputs. None of the inputs were rejected and I’m talking about the political parties. The cordial manner in which the chairperson opened the meeting and declarative statement about issues that we have been haggling for some time now.
“Officially she declared to all the political parties present that in the 2024 elections, indelible ink will be used. She further stated that ahead of the 2024 elections, the registration that we are going to have, the guarantor system will stay. Because that has been a concern we have been raising.
Meanwhile, the NPP Director of Elections Evans Nimako says the party will not countenance any attempts to abuse the use of the guarantor system.
“What the NPP will not support is for stakeholders to guarantee for minors and non-citizens to be on the electoral roll. It is for this reason we were in full support of a new CI for the use of the Ghana card. That notwithstanding, we will go along with what exists and make sure the right thing is done, as parties, we have had a successful deliberation and will see to its implementation.”
