The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has announced that indelible ink will no longer be used in the district level elections and subsequent polls.
According to Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa, the decision is part of efforts to enhance the electoral process and establish a robust identification system.
She explained at a media briefing on Monday, December 18 that the biometric identification system flags anyone who attempts multiple registrations; hence, anyone verified after voting cannot vote again.
“The issue of indelible ink, the question is when we were not doing biometric, we were basically using your face, your card. We look at your face and we say this picture looks like you. The biometric technology makes it difficult for a person who has been verified and cast their vote to come a second time.
“So, there is no need for indelible ink. Once you have been verified, it goes into the system and you cannot come back a second time,” she said.
Jean Mensa expressed confidence in the new biometric system and threw a challenge to persons who may attempt voting twice.
“Once you have been verified, it goes into the system, and you cannot come back a second time. You can try it if you wish at this election. Of course, it will be deemed as an electoral offence.”
The use of facial features and fingerprints in biometric technology adds extra layer of security, making it virtually impossible for a person to vote twice.
But some analysts and political actors have raised concerns about the EC’s decision to exclude the use of indelible ink, arguing it could compromise the integrity of future elections.
“Because of biometric technology your facial features are recognised, or your fingerprint is recognised. You cannot go a second time,” the EC Chairperson added.