Special Voting: Security officers angry over ‘missing’ names

The special voting exercise which is currently underway across the country in 275 constituencies is experiencing some challenges.

Reports from across the country indicate that several voters who turned up at the designated polling stations to cast their votes could not find their names in the special voters register.

This, according to reports, has created tension in most of the polling stations.

Some police and military personnel who could not find their names on the special voters list were very upset.

At the Ashaiman constituency for instance several security officers were denied the opportunity to vote.

Speaking to Oman News Mr. Martin Okyerefo, who is the Returning Officer for Ashaiman constituency, said he had turned a lot of the officers away because they could not find their names on the special voters list.

“Those officers whose names were not on the special voters list can vote on December 7 so they shouldn’t worry at all. It is unfortunate that such a thing has occurred,” he explained.

Some security personnel who spoke to Oman News also expressed their frustration.

One security official said: “I’m going to the North, how can I go there, come back to Accra on December 7, vote and go back?”

Another said; “If we are being treated like this, how much more a pure water seller on December 7?”

A total of 933 voters comprising EC officials, Police officers, Military personnel’s, Fire Service, immigration, customs and journalists are expected to vote.

The situation in Ashaiman was not different in Tema East when Oman News visited the Tema Community 1 District Police headquarters where the exercise was taking place.

There were scores of security personnel who could not find their names in the special voters list.

Some of them told Oman News that their commanding officers submitted their names to the EC for the special voting exercise.

According to them, they suspected it was a deliberate move by the EC and the government to frustrate them.

70 police officers’ names missing in N/R

Meanwhile, about 70 police officers could not also find their names on the special voters’ list in Northern Region despite registering for the exercise.

The Tamale Metro Police Commander could also not find his name on the special voters’ list.

Story By: Michael Creg Afful

#Politics #News #Latestinghana #Headlinesnews