Voters’ register debate transcends NDC, NPP – IEA

Voters’ register debate transcends NDC, NPP – IEA
The Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Jean Mensa has defended the policy think tank’s decision to hold a debate on the country’s voters’ register, saying the institute has every right to discuss such national issues.
This comes on the back of accusations from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the IEA is usurping the power of the Electoral Commission in organising the debate.‎
But speaking at the debate, the IEA boss insisted that they are helping the EC as partners.
Jean Mensah said “some political parties have questioned the credibility of the register and the major political parties have taken entrenched stance on the matter. It is important to emphasise that this is a matter that transcends the political parties and the EC.”
She also said the whole nation needs to get involved because “It is an issue that touches on all, it’s a matter of national importance and could threaten the peace of the nation.”

The IEA boss said, “it’s not an issue that concerns only the political parties and the EC. That is why we are here to provide the neutral platform to deal with the issues and provide help to the EC.”
“This is what the IEA has always done and will continue to do as partners with the EC because we all know that a valid and credible register is essential for credible elections in the country,” she added.

On his part, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Rev Dr. ‎Opuni Frimpong said the current discussion on the register has consequences for the nation’s unity hence cannot be left for the NDC and NPP alone.
Rev Opuni Frimpong stressed that it is dangerous to leave the discussion to only the two leading parties since the needed compromise might not be reached.

“Why should we leave the conversation between the two parties and why do the parties want us to leave them to deal with the matter,” he queried.
The CCG General Secretary insisted that no one can limit the space of conversation on this matter , saying “we are all Ghanaians and need to be involved and let’s allow other voices to be heard.”
Dr Opuni Frimpong also asked all stakeholders to seek a common ground on the matter saying “it is the best way forward.”