The flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga has urged the Electoral Commission of Ghana to apply due diligence in the December 7 polls to maintain peace in the country.
Mr Hassan Ayariga commended the EC for a few improvements but also pointed out that he foresees a lot of challenges on the day of the election because the Commission will be using an untested voter roll.
“I must say the Commission has had a lot of challenges in the past with political parties filing and submitting their forms and disqualifications; and a lot of people had lost hope in the past administration and I hope that with you, as Chairperson, will restore confidence and hope in the Commission and Ghanaians will trust in your leadership”, Mr Ayariga told Mrs Jean Mensa.
“We believe that the 2020 election is going to be a different election altogether.
“So, far, you’ve shown the way by giving us five days [to file our nomination] and we are grateful for the five days.
“You’ve also shown another way by sitting here and receiving all the nominations
“In the last one, we only saw certain people coming without the Commissioner herself and we were doubting our importance”, he contrasted
On the other hand, Mr Ayariga said: “I also want you to know that we just had a new voter register.
“I want to appeal to you to brace your belt very well because it has never been used for any elections and there will be challenges on the D-DAY.
“This one, whether we like it or not, we’ll see some minor challenges, so, prepare adequately for the challenges ahead and prepare that it’s not going to be an easy election if it is conducted on the 7th of December”, he noted.
Mr Ayariga also told the Jean Mensa-led EC to learn to take advice from the political parties when they volunteer same.
“Another issue has to do with you taking our advice.As we stand here, we might not be the best, but the little appeal we put before you should be considered. And you know that this is the provisional register we have gone through and we have seen some minor mistakes”,he said.
He furthermore stated: “I also believe that because it’s a provisional register, definitely there will be little challenges that will be encountered and for that matter , we expert you to do your best to ensure that the upcoming election will be a peaceful and well managed if not perfect.
