NDC bans proxy voting, tightens security rules for regional elections

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced strict electoral guidelines for its forthcoming Regional Elections, prohibiting proxy voting, prescribing identification requirements for delegates and placing the Ghana Police Service in sole charge of security at all election centres.

In a statement issued by the party and signed by its General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC reminded members, aspirants, delegates and election officials of the protocols governing the regional electoral exercise, stressing that strict adherence to the rules would be essential to ensuring a credible, transparent, orderly and peaceful process.

According to the party, the guidelines are intended to safeguard the integrity of the elections while promoting discipline, responsibility and unity among all stakeholders.

A key feature of the NDC's electoral guidelines is the outright ban on proxy voting, with the party insisting that all eligible delegates must be physically present at their respective polling centres to cast their ballots.

The party was categorical in its position, stating that: “There shall be no proxy voting. Every eligible delegate must be physically present to cast his or her vote.”

The directive effectively bars delegates from nominating or authorising other individuals to vote on their behalf, making personal participation a mandatory requirement for the exercise.

The NDC has also outlined three acceptable forms of identification that delegates must present for verification and validation before being allowed to vote.

According to the party, delegates are required to provide any one of the following: a valid NDC Party Identification Card, an official accreditation document, or an embossed photograph as captured in the approved voters' register.

The party stated in its announcement that: “Delegates must present any one of the following for identification and validation: Valid NDC Party Identification Card; Official accreditation document; or Embossed photograph as captured in the approved voters' register.”

The identification requirement is expected to guide election officials in verifying the eligibility of delegates and ensuring that only duly recognised persons participate in the voting process.

By specifying the acceptable identification documents ahead of the elections, the NDC is seeking to ensure consistency in the validation process and minimise potential disagreements over the identification of accredited delegates.

On voting hours, the NDC has announced that polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m., while making provision for delegates who may still be in queues at the official closing time.

Clarifying the arrangement, the party stated that: “Voting shall commence at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. However, delegates already in the queue by 4:00 p.m. shall be allowed to vote.”

This means delegates who are already in line by 4:00 p.m. will be permitted to exercise their franchise, even if the voting process extends beyond the stipulated closing time.

On security arrangements, the NDC has assigned sole responsibility for maintaining order at all election centres to the Ghana Police Service, while prohibiting personal security details accompanying government officials and other individuals from entering designated voting areas.

Announcing the security directive, the party stated that: “The Ghana Police Service shall have sole responsibility for security at all election centres.”

The NDC further clarified its position on personal security details, stating that: “Personal security details accompanying government officials or any other individuals shall not be permitted within designated voting areas.”

The directive establishes the Ghana Police Service as the sole security authority under the party's announced arrangements and bars accompanying personal security personnel from designated voting areas.

The NDC has also appealed to aspirants, delegates, supporters and election officials to demonstrate maturity, discipline and restraint throughout the electoral process.

Urging members to comply with the announced arrangements, the party stated: “The Party urges all aspirants, delegates, supporters and election officials to comply fully with these guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline, restraint and responsibility.”

The party further called for collective commitment towards safeguarding the credibility of the elections and maintaining unity among its members.

Reiterating its appeal for cooperation, the statement said: “All stakeholders are encouraged to work together to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections that uphold the democratic values and unity of the Party.”

The guidelines outline the NDC's expectations for the conduct of its forthcoming Regional Elections, with particular emphasis on direct voting, proper delegate identification, adherence to stipulated voting hours and clearly defined security arrangements.

The party urged all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the protocols and ensure full compliance to prevent any conduct that could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the exercise.