The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has noted with concern of the laxity in respect for the coronavirus health and safety protocols, particularly on the social distancing at some voter registration centres.
This was made know through a report authored by the election observers in Ghana.
CODEO said it is very worrying that there is some level of laxity in the respect for the COVID-19 health and safety protocols, particularly the lack of social distancing at some registration centers observed. Accordingly, CODEO calls on the Electoral Commission to consider additional mechanisms for enhancing the effectiveness of the respect for health and safety protocols at all registration centers at all times.
The EC must intensify public awareness about the movement plan of registration teams to enhance public awareness and understanding about the mode of the registration exercise so that people do not continue to gather at registration centers when they do not have to do so.
CODEO observers reported of changes to the movement plans in various parts of the country. CODEO entreats the EC to keep the public adequately informed of all such changes to the movement plan so that eligible persons can adequately prepare to take part
in the subsequent phases of the exercise.
The practice of party agents collecting voter information on newly-issued voter ID cards after a person has registered should stop as there are other mechanisms for political parties to collect information about the registration process.
While the security personnel have been able to bring a number of violent and chaotic situations under control, CODEO entreats the Police Service to swiftly prosecute any persons who violate the electoral laws to serve as an early deterrent to others.
CODEO urges the general public to exercise optimum responsibility in ensuring that human lives are not endangered unnecessarily.
Read the full report here.
CODEO-BVR-Phase-One-Observation-Report-FV
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Ghanamatters.com
