The Electoral Commission (EC) has clarified that ballot paper shortages for the upcoming 2024 general elections are not exclusive to the Volta and Bono Regions, as previously reported.
At an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on November 29, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare revealed that similar shortfalls have been identified in Greater Accra, Western North, Upper West, Western, and Bono East Regions.
Dr. Asare explained that two notifications were sent to political parties on November 22 and 28 to address the issue and reassure stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to resolving the matter.
“The shortfalls occurred across multiple regions, not just Volta and Bono. Reprints have been ordered to cover these gaps, including for the Volta Region. If the Commission had anything to hide, it wouldn’t openly address these shortfalls and call for reprints,” he stated.
He criticized attempts to politicize the matter, urging the public and political parties to avoid misinformation that could undermine trust in the EC.
“We urge the general public and political parties to carefully read memos from the EC before forming conclusions based on social media posts. Our resolve to operate transparently and accountably remains firm,” Dr. Asare added.
The Commission has called for calm, emphasizing its dedication to ensuring a credible electoral process.