We’ve not received PPE from gov’t – EC to Haruna Iddrisu

The Electoral Commission has described as erroneous and unfortunate comments by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, which sought to attack the integrity of the commission.

According to the EC, claims that it has received Personal protective equipment from the government are completely false.

EC’s response comes after Haruna Iddrisu questioned the commitment and competence of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa.

According to Mr Iddrisu, the EC on several occasions brought to Parliament “defective” legislative instruments seeking parliamentary attention.

“She sometimes also comes to us as if she is running an NGO. Let her be reminded that she is running the Electoral Commission of Ghana. A state institution expected to be independent,” Mr. Iddrisu said during a press conference on Thursday morning.

Mr Iddrisu also questioned the priorities of the government and the EC amid the coronavirus pandemic because of the allocation of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

“It is absolutely troubling and shocking that in the face of such a pandemic, our Government chooses to supply PPEs to officials of the Electoral Commission when doctors, nurses and other frontline health care workers are crying for PPEs.”

But the EC in its response stated that it has not received Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE) from the government as stated by the Minority leader during the press conference.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has not received any protective equipment from the government. The Commission finds it troubling that, the Leader of the Minority Party in Parliament to put out information of this nature without substantiating its authenticity.”

The Electoral Commission has also stated that plans are far advanced for the compilation of a new Voters Register with a new Voter Management System for the upcoming 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

The EC reiterated that it shall not be subject to the “direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions, except as provided for in the Constitution or any other law consistent with it.”

Below is the full statement by the EC

EC RESPONDS TO THE MINORITY LEADER’S ACCUSATIONS

The Electoral Commission has noted with grave concern, comments made by the Minority Leader, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, during a press conference held on 7th May, 2020 that sought to attack the integrity and mandate of Electoral Commission as well as the creation of an erroneous impression in the minds of the general public on its attitude as far as the COVID – 19 Pandemic is concerned

Hon Haruna Iddrisu is reported to have registered the displeasure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the management of the COVID- 19 Pandemic by the Commission in the performance of its official duties, as well as its unchanged stance to compile a new Voters, Register with a new Voter Management System

The Commission has not stated anywhere that it has received Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE) from the government as stated by the Minority leader during the press conference. For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has not received any protective equipment from the government. The Commission finds it troubling that the Leader of the Minority Party in Parliament to put out information of this nature without substantiating its authenticity.

The EC would like to state that since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, it has taken concrete steps in adhering to the rules and regulations regarding the protocols spelt out by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health and therefore has not violated any safety protocols the discharge of its duties

The Commission takes collective decisions on all electoral processes in conformity with the country’s republican constitution, it is therefore equally worrying that a statement will be made to suggest otherwise with the ultimate goal of tarnishing the image of key officials of the Commission

As stated Article 46 of the 1992 Constitution, the EC would like to reiterate that it shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions, except as provided for in the Constitution or any other law consistent with it.

All stakeholders are hereby reminded that plans are far advanced for the compilation of a new Voters Register with a new Voter Management System for the upcoming 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. The Commission is, however, sensitive to the Current state of affairs due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and will abide by the necessary precautions and safety Protocols in the execution of its mandate when it deems it appropriate to begin the compilation of the register

The general public is being cautioned to disregard any fictitious election timetable and other letters circulating on social media purporting to have emanated from the Commission. The Commission wishes to call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to cooperate with it for the success of the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

Source: Starrfm.com.gh