A former NDC parliamentary aspirant for Amasaman constituency, Samuel Atsu Forson, has urged eligible potential voters who have just turned 18 and individuals who have not yet registered to take advantage of the limited voter registration exercise, which started on Tuesday, and go all out and register despite an injunction.
According to him, the exercise that is being conducted at all Electoral Commission district offices across the country is entirely unlawful, adding that the move will disenfranchise many Ghanaians.
Mr. Forson reiterated that it is the fundamental right of every adult to register with the Electoral Commission (EC) and exercise his or her voting right under the 1992 constitution; thus, the EC has no locus to disenfranchise anyone who has turned 18 years of age or older.
Despite the court’s injunction, Forson took the opportunity to encourage Ghanaians to actively participate in the process to ensure their eligibility for the forthcoming 2024 elections and massively vote against the inept NPP government.
In an interview with the media,Hon. Forson underscored the need for civic engagement and the role of voter registration in enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.
The registration is taking place at all 268 district offices. According to the EC, the exercise is scheduled to run until October 2, 2023.
Eligible individuals who have turned 18 since the last registration in 2020 or those who did not register for various reasons are encouraged to visit their district office of residence. For one to register, they will need either their Ghana Card or Ghana Passport as identification. In instances where eligible applicants do not possess these legal documents, they can be vouched for by two registered voters as guarantors to facilitate their registration.
The five political parties, including the NDC, CPP, All People’s Congress, Liberal Party of Ghana, and Great Consolidated Popular Party, filed a lawsuit on September 7 challenging the EC’s unholy position to limit the voter registration exercise to its district offices.
They argue that this decision may disenfranchise many eligible voters, particularly those in remote areas, including the elderly and those living with disabilities.
Story by Lawrence Odoom
