New voter registration Debate: Journalists Must Educate politicians – George Kyei Baffour

A Local Governance Expert, George KyeiBaffour has asked Journalists to make it a point to always educate politicians who seem not to be abreast with certain issues in the country so far as the Electoral Commission’s work is concerned.

He made this call after some opposition political parties chastised the Electoral Commission over the proposed new voters’ register describing it as needless.

Speaking on Nkawkaw based Agoo FM’s evening news analysis Program “Na Wo Kaa No Sen” with host Obaahemaa Yaa Mirekua, , he stated that some politicians are destroying the purpose for which the commission was created.

According to him, article 46 of the 1992 Constitution state that ‘’Except as provided in this Constitution or in any other law not inconsistent with this Constitution, in the performance of its functions, the Electoral Commission, shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.’’

He cited that the EC is protected by the constitution so nothing can stop the commission from executing its job’ saying the Electoral Commission is an independent body and they know exactly what they want.

He also advised the media to not only focus on politicians but also protect the interest of the Electoral Commission by letting some of the politicians aware of their wrongdoing.

He also stated that the EC cannot do the bidding of an individual body because it the commission acts as an intermediary between the political parties and government.

He gave several examples of fatal challenges facing the Electoral Commission and therefore called on Ghanaians to allow the commission to do its job.

Morover urged all the political parties to stay away from the EC’s day and day activities by allowing the commission to work on it own saying it is a bleach of the constitution should anyone interfere their service.

Story by: Rachel Gablah