E.C engage parliamentary candidates in U/E ahead of polls

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Bolgatanga. The Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Bruce Ayisi has enlisted the support of all stakeholders to ensure a successful conduct of polls in the region. He said the EC has over the years exhibited high level of professionalism with respect to electoral conduct and assured the general public that the commission was set to conduct much credible voting exercise through the use of the biometric option but entreated the public and all stakeholders to cooperate with the commission. Mr. Ayisi said these at a dialogue with parliamentary candidates and political party representatives as well as a section of the public at Bolgatanga. The session was on the theme: ‘Enhancing the credibility of Ghana’s Election” and was supported by in DFID and KAB Governance Consult (KGC). It was aimed at demonstrating the commission’s commitment at maintaining the credibility of the polls and to reduce the possibility of violent confrontations by political party loyalists. It was also held to further deepen the confidence of the candidates on the forthcoming 2012 general elections. Mr. Ayisi, stated that the E.C has been transparent and responsive in dealing with electoral issues, adding that the EC will not renege in its effort to maintain the status quo He said 63 parliamentary candidates have filed nominations on the ticket of the various political parties to contest in parliamentary elections in the fifteen constituencies in the Upper East Region. Out of the figure, 57 of them are males while the remaining six are females. He assured all the aspiring parliamentary candidates as well as the political parties that the doors of the E.C are always opened and urged them to always approach his outfit so that together they will work to make the elections in the region peaceful and successful. The Deputy Regional Director of the EC, Mr. Azu Bosco Anyigire, disclosed that the provisional figures of voters in the region stood at 566, 859 adding that a number of activities have been organized by the EC including workshop for women, persons with disability, training of personal on the use of the Biometric verification machine attendants all in readiness of the election. He pointed out that the EC will work closely with the Regional Election Security Taskforce to ensure that all rules governing the polls are applied stringently to ensure a free fair and transparent election devoid of electoral malfeasance. According to him, the EC has checks in place for persons with all forms of disability and would ensure that they are well catered for through the use of tactile ballots. On the issue of double registration, Mr. Anyigire said his outfit will pursue persons that indulge in the act whilst applying the necessary sanction against them. He said with the aid of the biometric verification process, such persons would be disenfranchised. -End- writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh