By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, Oct. 23, GNA – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Elections Director for New Juaben South in Koforidua, Eastern Region, has ruled out party task forces at polling centres, pledging police-led security and results by 1900 hours.
Mr Francis Ayensu, assured aspirants and delegates of peaceful elections, saying the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service will oversee the process.
“No party foot soldiers or task force will be around. No, we won’t allow that,” he said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Friday.
He explained that the constituency election committee, the EC and the Ghana Police Service would handle the election, adding that party foot soldiers and task forces would not be engaged in security duties.
“When you allow those instances, some will be influenced by aspirants to create mayhem. So we entirely leave the security in the hands of the Ghana Police Service,” he said.
Mr Ayensu noted that the police had assured the organisers of deploying more than 100 personnel to provide security during the exercise.
On concerns about the party’s membership register, commonly called the “album”, he said some irregularities were identified and had been addressed.
“There were some irregularities in the album, but it has been addressed,” he said. “And those that have not been addressed, we will address on the election day, together with the EC.”
Mr Ayensu said he had spoken with the EC and received assurances that all election materials and logistics were ready.
He said polling would begin at 0700 hours, while the youth and women’s conferences would take place between 0800 hours and 1000 hours, followed by the main constituency conference.
The constituency would use three voting centres to speed up the process and prevent voting from continuing late into the night, he added.
Mr Ayensu said voting would close at 1700 hours, with counting beginning immediately afterwards. He expected the results to be declared between 1800 and and 1900 hours.
“This time the election will not go into the night. We will ensure that, later by 6:00, 7:00, results are declared,” he said.
He urged aspirants and delegates to report any problems during the election, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed and their votes protected.
“You can hold me to account that I will ensure that it’s addressed, and your vote will be protected,” he said.
“We will not allow any election malpractice or misconduct. We’ll ensure that there’s free and fair elections,” he added.
Mr Ayensu noted the arrangements put in place were intended to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election, with results announced on time.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Emelia B.Addae
Email: [email protected]