The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced strict electoral guidelines for its upcoming Regional Elections, banning proxy voting, outlining identification requirements for delegates and placing the Ghana Police Service in sole charge of security at all polling centres.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party reminded members, aspirants, delegates and election officials of the procedures governing the elections, emphasising the need for strict compliance to ensure a credible, transparent, orderly and peaceful exercise.
The NDC said the guidelines were designed to protect the integrity of the electoral process while promoting discipline, accountability and unity among stakeholders.
A major provision is the outright prohibition of proxy voting. The party has directed that all eligible delegates must be physically present at their designated polling centres to cast their ballots.
“There shall be no proxy voting. Every eligible delegate must be physically present to cast his or her vote,” the statement said.
The directive means delegates cannot authorise or nominate another individual to vote on their behalf.
Identification requirements for delegates
The party has also outlined three acceptable forms of identification that delegates must present for verification before being allowed to vote.
These include:
- A valid NDC Party Identification Card.
- An official accreditation document.
- An embossed photograph as captured in the approved voters’ register.
The party stated that delegates must present at least one of these documents for identification and validation.
The requirement is intended to guide election officials in confirming the eligibility of delegates and preventing unauthorised participation in the voting process.
By specifying acceptable identification documents ahead of the elections, the NDC hopes to establish a uniform verification procedure and minimise disputes over delegate accreditation.
Voting hours and queue arrangements
The NDC has scheduled voting to begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
However, delegates who are already in the queue by the official closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
“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,” the statement clarified.
The arrangement is intended to ensure that eligible delegates who arrive before the deadline are not disenfranchised because of delays in the voting process.
