Tema-Ghana, Sept. 20, – The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has expressed concern about the rigid posture of the Electoral Commission (EC) on suggestions from democratic stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organisations.
“The posture of some of the Commission Members and some directors of the EC is beginning to threaten the democratic foundation of this country, and we called on immediate action to address the issues.
“Electoral disputes serve as the foundation for political upheavals, the challenge of election results, and protracted litigation interrupting domestic peace,” Mr. Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of GFL, in an interview with the media in Tema.
Mr. Koomson, who is also an Industrial Relations and Mediation Consultant, called on the EC to address challenges arising from the ongoing limited voter registration exercise, “Managing public functions is based on operational and legal regimes.
“The EC cannot rigidly hold on to the legal regime without looking at the operational definition of the laws. The ongoing exercise is loaded with malfunctioning equipment, as has been widely reported, causing undue delays in registration centres”.
The GFL Secretary General called for more registration machines, an increase in the number of registration centres, and, if possible, an extension of the date to prevent unnecessary delay, which they said was the cause of long queues, delays, and violence at the various centres across the country.
The Industrial Relations and Mediation Consultant noted that the failure on the part of the EC to immediately address the challenges and put in proper measures could lead to intensified protestations if people were not able to register by the deadline through no fault of theirs.
He cautioned the EC not to engage in any operational activities that may be interpreted as undermining Ghana’s democracy by setting out conditions that will make it impossible for the vast majority of Ghanaians to register.
The GFL called on the EC to ensure all those who have attained 18 years since the last registration exercise are allowed to exercise their franchise without let or hindrance to avert a chaotic situation.
Mr. Koomson also called on all stakeholders to be vigilant and protect the sanctity of the electoral system.
He also appealed to religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, organised labour groups, and associations to intervene and speak to ensure that “our democratic system is not jeopardised by unrepentant EC officials”.
