Dr. Tanko Computer stated that the Electoral Commission cannot print ballot papers without a voters’ register
Dr. Tanko Computer, Deputy Director of Elections and IT at the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has asserted that the Electoral Commission of Ghana cannot proceed with printing ballot papers without first confirming the number of voters.
Speaking in Accra, Dr. Computer explained that the voter statistics used for printing are derived from the voters’ code book, which details the number of voters at each polling station. To accommodate potential spoiled ballots, the Electoral Commission typically adds 5% to the voter register for each station.
“They will add an extra 5% to account for spoiled ballots. During voting, some voters do spoil their ballots, so this additional percentage helps mitigate that,” he stated.
However, he emphasized that without an accurate register, determining the basis for printing ballot papers is impossible. The NDC has requested comprehensive statistics regarding ballot paper printing from the Electoral Commission prior to the commencement of the process.
This request follows the Electoral Commission’s invitation for NDC representatives to observe ballot paper printing on October 10. Dr. Computer raised concerns about the Commission’s past practices, specifically referencing the 2020 election when over 1 million excess ballots were printed.
He firmly stated, “We will not accept any printed ballots without a register. Tomorrow, we will communicate our position clearly in a meeting with them.”
Dr. Computer questioned the rationale behind printing ballots without an established register: “Without a register, what are you printing for? Where do you derive the numbers to justify the ballots you intend to print?”
