The Minority caucus in Parliament has raised serious concerns, accusing the Electoral Commission (EC) of breaching the constitution by opting to abandon the use of indelible ink in upcoming elections.
The EC's decision to replace the traditional ink, applied to voters' fingers to prevent multiple voting, with more “modern” verification methods has ignited a heated debate.
In a recent announcement, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa declared that in the district-level election and subsequent polls, there would be no need for indelible ink, citing a move towards improved and contemporary electoral processes.
However, during a debate on the budget estimate for the EC for the upcoming year, the First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, contended that the EC's action goes against regulations passed by Parliament for the effective performance of its functions.
“The issue of the non-use of the indelible ink breaches the law… Mr Speaker, you cannot come to Parliament with an instrument where protocols have been outlined, and you as an administrative fiat decide that you won't go according to the protocol,” stated Ahmed Ibrahim.
He continued, “The use of indelible ink is part of the regulations that we put in the instrument for the effective performance of the Electoral Commissioner, so you cannot decide that you would not apply it. She must do things that will help her perform effectively.”
The Minority caucus emphasized the importance of adherence to established protocols and regulations to ensure the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
