We'll continue with stakeholder consultations - EC

The Electoral Commission has explained that it will continue with stakeholder consultations in its quest to bring democracy to the doorstep of all Ghanaians.

In a press statement issued Tuesday evening [January 14, 2020], the commission explained that despite the guarantee of its independence as enshrined in Article 46 of the 1992 Constitution, "it does have consultations with stakeholders which include political parties, civil society organisations, media and many more in its quest to bring democracy to the doorstep of all Ghanaians."

The press statement which was signed and issued by the Acting Director of Public Affairs of the EC, Mrs Sylvia Annoh was a response to media reportage that suggested that the EC had indicated that it was not going to entertain public dictates in the debate on whether or not there was the need for a new voters register.

According to the EC, the said media report was of concern because the EC saw it as an attempt to malign its reputation and integrity and its members with the report which was published by Classfmonline and Ghanaweb.

"The visit by the Electoral Commission to various stakeholders last year [2019] is a clear indication of an institution that embraces divergent views and opinions," the statement added.

"The Commission will however not compromise its stance on matters that are not in the interest of the nation and in clear contravention of the principles of the electoral justice to the detriment of our electoral process and democracy,” it added.

"It is therefore important for the media to be circumspect in their reportage in order not to jeopardise or compromise the integrity of the Electoral Commission and the electoral process before and after the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.,” the commission stated.

Below is a copy of the statement