The Electoral Commission(EC) has called on the media and the electorate to disregard the fake news and rumours making rounds that 1,210 Presidential ballots are missing in Yendi in the Northern Region.
The Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Benjamin Bano-Bioh, who made the call at the EC headquarters in Accra today to update the media on the ongoing elections, told the media that the EC was abreast of happenings in the country and will not lose its guard in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.
He therefore entreated media practitioners to be circumspect in their reportage.
Kintampo issue
On an issue that occurred in the Kintampo South Constituency in the Bono East Region where an EC official was arrested for allegedly issuing defective ballot papers during the ongoing elections, Mr Bano-Bioh, explained that the issue was under investigations by the police and that the EC is yet to take a decision on the matter.
The suspect, identified as Joseph Dery, is under investigation for distributing approximately 15 ballot papers at the Ampesika-Bayere Polling Station that allegedly omitted the name of the first presidential candidate.
Voting
The director indicated that after preliminary assessment of the voting, the EC realised that the exercise “started on time at most of our polling stations as indicated earlier. And participation is encouraging. Majority of the voters have turned out to vote at most of our centres.”
He said 30 per cent of the polling stations as of 12 noon had a voter turn out of over 60 per cent. Forty per cent of the polling stations had a turnout of between 40 and 50 per cent and another 30 percent of the polling stations had about 30 percent turn out.
“We urge the good citizens of this country to continue to turn up in their numbers to come and cast their votes in this election” Mr Bano-Bioh stated.
“Voting is continuing progressively. We call upon all our officials that the commission will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the right thing is done at all levels. And that any official who compromises himself or herself will be dealt with according to the full regours of the law.”
Mr Bano-Bioh said all the EC's Biometric Verification Devices(BVDs) are effectively working.
“After the initial issues which were resolved immediately, all of them are effectively working. We have not received any report complaining more functionality as far as the BVDs are concerned” he revealed.
PWDs
He said Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable people in the society are being assisted to vote at the various polling stations.
He warned that if a party agent misconducts himself or herself, he will be sacked from the polling station.
“If there is any issue, they need to report to the Presiding Officer for his grievances to be addressed. This is in the spirit of ensuring transparency” Mr Bano-Bioh stated.
He announced that the EC has provided a toll-free line, 0800 324 324 to respond to any question or issue about the ongoing elections.
“We have over 24 staff of the Commission standing by to receive your call. And to attend to you and provide all the necessary assistance that you will require. We are grateful for your continued support”he added.
