The Electoral Commission says it is preparing to start the implementation of the Representation of the Peoples’ Amendment Act (ROPAA).
The Act, which seeks to provide an opportunity for Ghanaians living abroad to participate in general elections was passed by Parliament 12 years ago.
But the EC has been unable to see to its implementation. The Commission cites the unavailability of the required resources as its reason for failing to adhere to the law.
It had to take a suit and an order by the Accra High Court for the EC to begin the process of implementation.
As the Commission begins processes to compile a new voters’ register for the 2020 elections, the EC has indicated its preparedness to implement the Act.
A budget has been set aside for the implementation of the Act to enable Ghanaians living abroad to partake in the general elections in December, the EC has disclosed.
Director of Electoral Services, Serebuor Quaicoe in an interview with Joy News’ Evans Mensah referencing a Supreme Court judgement which ordered the enactment of the Act, said the EC is ready to do just that.
He, however, indicated that while the EC is set to roll out ROPAA, it is awaiting a report from the Committee established to oversee the application of the ACT.
While the Commission waits, he disclosed that “in the meantime, we have submitted our budget and even drafted a Constitutional Instrument (C.I) so that when the report comes and it is favourable, then all things being equal, it would be rolled out.”
The C.I, Dr. Quaicoe talks about, will be sent to Parliament next week and is likely to mature in time to enable the EC to register Ghanaians living abroad for the elections.
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myjoyonline
