The Electoral Commission (EC) has clarified that the shortage of ballot papers for the upcoming 2024 general elections is not limited to the Volta and Bono Regions, as previously reported.
The clarification comes after concerns were raised that only these two regions were facing shortfalls in ballot paper supply.
In an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on November 29, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare explained that other regions are also experiencing similar challenges with ballot paper availability. He emphasized that the issue is more widespread and not confined to just the Volta and Bono areas.
Dr. Asare also revealed that the EC had informed political parties of the situation through two official letters sent on November 22 and November 28, respectively, updating them on the status of the ballot papers.
“The shortfalls occurred in Greater Accra, Western North, Upper West, Western and Bono East Regions. The Volta and Bono regions were no exceptions. As in the case of the Volta Region, the political parties were informed in writing and the reprint was done to cover the shortfalls in those five regions.
“Why the noise about the shortfalls of only the Volta region, if the Commission has anything to hide, will it transparently call for a reprint of the ballots to make up for the shortfalls?
“The Commission urges the general public, especially political parties to disregard mischief by persons whose only objective is to malign the commission and sow a seed of mistrust and doubts. The memo in circulation demonstrates the commission’s resolve to operate in a transparent and accountable manner.
“We entreat the general public and political parties to read memos carefully by the EC which may find their way on social media so as not to be swayed by persons whose sole agenda is to cause fear and panic and tarnish the image of the Commission ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections.”
