In spite of strong opposition and concerns raised by sections of the public on the Electoral Commission (EC’s) stance to compile a new voters’ register, especially with the need to observe protocols to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the EC maintains its stance.
The Electoral Commission had earlier scheduled 18th April, 2020 for the commencement of the compilation of the new voters’ register but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been postponed indefinitely.
Recently, the Commission has hinted of a possible registration soon amidst the coronavirus pandemic and objections by the opposition NDC although it is yet to come out with a date and duration for the exercise.
Towards a safe and secure Voter registration exercise, the Electoral Commission has outlined some measures it intends to enforce to curb and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The protocols are; checking of temperature before entering the registration centre, washing of hands with soap under running water before joining the queue and mandatory wearing of nose masks before entering the centre.
Also, individuals will be required to maintain a minimum distance of one metre whilst in the queue. Scanners will be wiped with alcohol wipes before capturing finger prints and provision of hand sanitizers to persons who complete the exercise before leaving the centre.
Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Sylvia Annor said the Commission will ensure that all persons who visit the centre observe the protocols. In order not to disenfranchise Ghanaians infected with the virus in the course of the exercise, Mrs. Annor said the Commission is still considering the means to employ to capture covid-19 patients during the registration exercise.
The EC has so far posted on its Facebook page, images of a set of Covid 19 safety measures it intends to enforce should the 2020 new voters’ registration exercise begin.
Meanwhile, Director of Health Promotion Division at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Aboagye Dacosta, says the GHS service is yet to review the proposal the Electoral Commission has presented on its voters’ registration exercise amid the Covid 19 pandemic.
He said these measures will be reviewed to assess its viability after which a report will be submitted to the President for consideration.
SOURCE: Victoria Adonu/Joseph Kobina Amuah/ATL FM NEWS
