Dec 7 Elections: Ballot Printing Processes Can’t Be Manipulated; Allegations of Excesses Unfounded – EC Clarifies | Elections

EC opens up ballot paper printing to media with tour

The Electoral Commission (EC) has opened up the process of printing ballot papers for the December 7 elections to the media.

According to the Commission, allegations by the flagbearer of largest opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), John Mahama, that excess ballot papers instead of being shredded in front of party agents, are kept and handed over to the NPP are false.

Meanwhile, a team of officials from the Commission on Friday led Journalists to some of the printing companies, where they were given access to the production rooms to observe the printing process, an exercise the EC said was the first time. 

Although it is being printed by six companies, the EC’s team, led by the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Corporate Services, Dr Eric Bossman Asare, took the media to three of them — Buck Press, Innolink and Acts Commercials Ltd. 

At each of the locations, agents of political parties, representatives of independent candidates, the police and national security operatives were there to observe the process.

Boosting Confidence of Ghanaians

The Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Benjamin Bannor-Bio, explained that the visits formed part of efforts to deepen transparency in the electoral process. 

He said the EC decided to open up the printing of ballot papers so that it would boost the confidence of members of the public. 

“We want to assure the world that the EC has nothing to hide and so we want members of the public to have confidence in the commission,” Mr Bannor-Bio said.

“The party agents take notice of the serial numbers, they take notice of the quantities being printed for each constituency and we give them all these details,” he stated.

“Apart from the Electoral Commission seal, they add their seal and take records of the same. So, in printing ballot papers, there is no secrecy, it’s so transparent,” he added.

EC satisfied with process

Dr Bossman Asare said the EC was satisfied with the level of participation and cooperation from the political parties and security agencies.

He said the Commission was optimistic that with the level of transparency and the vigilance party agents and other stakeholders were exhibiting at the printing houses, every printed ballot paper would be accounted for in the conduct of the polls. 

“Printing is done with the full participation of political parties, and we are happy that the party agents are working together with all other stakeholders for quality assurance and transparency. 

“When we finish printing and start bagging the ballots, all parties put their seals on it and also ensure that their padlocks are intact on warehouses, and this demonstrates the transparency of the process,” he said.

John Mahama’s accusation

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged that the party will firmly resist any attempts to influence the upcoming elections through ballot printing irregularities.

John Mahama raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the 2020 elections, accusing the Electoral Commission (EC) of printing additional ballot papers that were supposedly given to agents of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The Electoral Commission has started printing ballots for the forthcoming elections and has denied producing more ballots than necessary.

However, Mahama remains sceptical, emphasising that the NDC has little faith in the EC’s processes, which he believes lack transparency and accountability.

During a campaign rally in Sagnarigu, Mr. Mahama questioned the impartiality of critical election stakeholders and expressed concern over the EC’s conduct.

He called on party agents and election observers to be vigilant throughout the voting process to safeguard against any potential manipulation.