The Electoral Commission will be expected to appear before parliament next week to update the House on their plans for the 2020 general elections.
This was after a motion was filed in the House this week by Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga challenging the CI 126 of the EC.
Speaking on the floor today, Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu said there is the need for the EC to brief the House on their plans going into the general elections.
“My colleague assured me of some initiative to get the Electoral Commission here and I think that probably we should see the definite details, we need to interrogate their procurement issues, their budget issues post-Covid-19 and then have an understanding of what they intend to do… in discharging their mandate under the constitution in conducting the 2020 general elections. When are they appearing?”
Responding to the call and the need for the EC to appear, Majority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said he is engaging the EC and by next week they will be in the House to update MPs.
“The matter of the EC coming to the House to update the house on free and fair elections, I don’t know what you mean by that, the mandate of Electoral Commission has been stipulated in the constitution nothing can be added to that. Regarding the programme that programme was set out in the budget that is submitted to us if he wants maybe further details, we are engaging the EC.”
“I’m waiting for a response from them which will come today maybe next week possibly we shall meet them.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) in a statement said they are aware of attempts by the opposition National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) to tarnish their image.
The NDC in a press conference on May 14, 2020, accused the EC of conspiring with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to rig the election in favour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The EC in a press release said they are aware of all attempts by the NDC to tarnish their image.
Portions of their statement said: “The Electoral Commission is not oblivious calculated attempts by the NDC to repeatedly peddle untruths and falsehoods aimed at tarnishing its image and causing disaffection for it. It is impossible for the Commission to conspire with any political party or institution as being speculated by Mr Ofosu Ampofo and the NDC since the electoral processes remain transparent at all level. As an independent body, the EC is mandated to conduct free, fair and transparent elections within the confines of the law and will continue to perform its functions such without fear or favour”.
