Dr Eric Oduro Osae, the Dean of Studies and Research, Institute of Local Government Studies, says the Electoral Commission has the discretionary powers and mandate to compile a new voters’ register under Article 45(a) and 46 of the 1992 Constitution.
He said if anyone or group of persons had issues with the discretionary powers of the Electoral Commission (EC), it was prudent to go to court instead of demonstrating and applying indirect pressure on the election management body.
Dr Oduro Osae told the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Saturday that so far no strong legal arguments had been made against the new voters register.
The National Democratic Congress and five other political parties on Saturday organised a demonstration in Tamale to express their displeasure over EC's decision to compile a new voters’ register for the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
"I think those in favour and against have always argued on the timing. I think going on demonstrations, which has the potential of raising the political temperature of the country, is not the way to go."
Dr Oduro Osae said the Constitution, under Article 45(a) gave the EC the sole mandate to compile a voters register and its independence in that regard was guaranteed under Article 46 of the same Constitution.
He said all the debates and discussions should focus on the EC as a Commission and not the Chairperson, Mrs Jean Mensa, because of the principle of collective responsibility.
Source: GNA
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This guy just told just what stated in the constitution. It is an expression of public knowledge and not a demonstration of understanding the national discourse. In order words, though the EC has discretionary powers to compile voter registration, it doesn't and should not exercise such powers arbitrary. It doesn't means that the views and opinion of other stakeholders are ignored. Real power is expressed to achieve the benefit of common Good, whose good is the EC in pursuit if a large bloc of the population opposes the new voter registration enterprise at this point? Just because you can refer to articles in the constitution and just because you have a degree doesn't qualify you to speak on matters. We need deep thinkers and men of wisdom to speak for the country not men with classroom knowledge, I beg your pardon Mr Osea I don't think you make sense.
Difficult to differentiate between who is ***barred word*** and who is not if insults become the common denominator in our discourses Yaw should address issues the way the respected academic did.
This is one of the most ***barred word*** appointees with a degree!!! Discretionary powers don't mean exercise it capriciously! You see the mentality of people who advise government?! NO BRAINERS!!!