Network failure galore

-Prospective first-time voters disappointed

By Elvis DARKO, Accra

Significant technical challenges across the country hampered the nationwide Limited Voter’s Registration exercise targeted at capturing first-time voters, leading to delays and leaving prospective registrants disappointed.

These challenges were not limited to just a few centers, as numerous centers experienced similar issues that technical teams spent hours resolving.

Electoral Commission (EC) officials struggled to log onto the Commission’s database to start the process.

Although the machines were booting up correctly, they could not pick signals to allow the system to operate.

This was attributed to “some nationwide technical challenges” with the Commission’s registration kits, making it difficult for officials to log onto with their credentials and encountering network issues.

Some centers were unable to capture applicants’ data onto the EC database to print out cards due to network challenges.

In other centers, while manual data capture of eligible voters proceeded smoothly, their biodata could not be entered onto the biometric device due to challenges with it.

Similarly, although officials could successfully access the system and capture photographs of applicants at some centres, the system malfunctioned, preventing the recording of applicants’ particulars.

Power outages

EC promised that the ongoing power outages will not disrupt the registration exercise, as district officers had been tasked to rent generators to support their operations in the event of power cuts.

Despite this assurance, power outages were reported in some centres yet the generators were nowhere to be found.

The process, scheduled to begin at 7am, commenced around 12 noon in some centers, resulting in long queues at tregistration centres as scores of registrants, including Senior High School students, thronged the center in large numbers to partake in the exercise.

While there were no physical altercations with officials, many registrants, some of whom claimed they arrived early, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation.

Despite frustrations, the registration centers remained calm, with registrants seen sitting and standing in groups, chatting. However, the situation did not deter potential voters, as they remained determined to register and obtain their voter cards.

EC officials at various registration centers urged potential voters to remain patient and help make the process smooth.

The situation caused many registrants to complain about the stalled process and the nature of the exercise.

Turnout at many centers nationwide was relatively high.

21-day exercise

The registration exercise is a major step ahead of the 2024 General Election, conducted in accordance with Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution.

The 21-day exercise, ending on May 27, is taking place at the 268 District Offices of the Commission nationwide.

Some individuals who shared their experiences at the center reported arriving early to undergo the process, only to be informed that they had to wait due to non-functional machines.

EC’s response

The EC has responded swiftly to the technical difficulties that marred the start of the Limited Voter Registration exercise. Acknowledging the challenges, which ranged from faulty machines to network issues, the EC assured the public that these issues have been successfully addressed.

In a statement, the EC attributed the delays to technical problems with internet connectivity at various registration centers.

However, the EC stated that by noon, the majority of these technical issues had been resolved, allowing the registration process to proceed smoothly across the country.

Despite the initial setbacks, the Commission emphasized its commitment to monitoring the registration process closely and promptly addressing any further issues that may arise.

Encouraging all eligible applicants to seize the opportunity to register to vote in their respective districts, the EC affirmed its dedication to ensuring a fair and accessible registration process for all citizens.

The Commission aimed to register 622,000 new voters by the end of the operation.

Ghana Card or Ghana Passport

Eligible voters can use either the Ghana Card or the Ghana Passport to establish their identity as Ghanaians.

Vouching

In the absence of the two identification documents, applicants would be required to present two people who are already registered voters to vouch for their citizenship and age.

Minors warned to stay away

The EC has served notice that it will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to deal with minors who attempt to register.