Mrs Jean Mensa, EC Boss

The Electoral Commission (EC) has rejected claims it has received personal protective equipment from the government.

It condemned the Minority leader in Parliament, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, for putting out such information without first substantiating its authenticity.

The Commission, in a release, noted that the Minority leader’s comment during a press conference on Monday attacked its integrity and mandate and created a wrong impression on its attitude about the Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the minds of the public.

The Minority leader reportedly 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 stance to compile a new Voters Register with a new Voter Management System.

The EC, however, noted it has not violated any safety protocols in the discharge of its duties since the outbreak of the COVID-19) pandemic.

It indicated 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.

“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,” the release said.

The Commission cautioned that as stated in Article 46 of the 1992 Constitution, it will 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.

Plans, it stressed, are far advanced for the compilation of the new Voters Register with the 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.”

It cautioned the general public to disregard any fictitious election timetable and other letters circulating on social media purporting to have emanated from the Commission.