The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has voiced its stance on the use of indelible inks in Ghana’s elections.
Expressing concerns, the NDC has raised issues with the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s plan to eliminate the use of indelible ink in the upcoming 2024 general elections, citing potential repercussions for the integrity of the electoral process. The party underscores the significance of retaining indelible ink as a vital element in the election verification process.
During a press conference held at the NDC headquarters in Adabraka on Monday, January 8, 2024, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the NDC, highlighted the multifaceted role of indelible ink in elections. He emphasized its role as a visible and transparent means of verifying voters, complementing the existing biometric verification system.
Mr. Nketiah stated, “The NDC strongly opposes the removal of indelible ink because it visibly, transparently, and physically verifies voters in addition to biometric verification. Indelible ink marks and identifies voters to discourage and prevent them from engaging in multiple voting, particularly when there is apathy.”
Questioning the reasoning behind abandoning a well-established and effective verification system, Mr. Nketiah urged the Electoral Commission to reconsider its decision, asking, “Why do away with this multi-layered tried and tested verification system that adds additional credibility to Ghana’s electoral process?”
He further pointed out the importance of indelible ink in situations where the Biometric Verification Device (BVD) malfunctions. In such cases, the ink stain on a voter’s finger serves as a quick and surefire way to identify potential wrongdoing, preventing individuals from attempting multiple voting.
Mr. Nketiah cautioned against making the electoral process vulnerable to exploitation by criminals, emphasizing that without indelible ink, an Election Commission official might allow a voter to cast a ballot regardless of whether the person is on the register at a particular polling station.
