Biometric Registration 101

I intended to write this blog some weeks back but you know how procrastination gets you postponing till you really can't postpone any longer. The timing and circumstances require that this blog be written now. As stated in an earlier blog, with this being an election year in Ghana, where I happily reside, I hope to bring you as much information from the ground and to keep you informed about the relevant happenings on the political landscape.

So basically, Ghana decided to modernise its electoral system. We are not at par with the US or other developed democracies yet but we've taken a bold step towards modernising our electoral system. The decision was met with a lot of reluctance and resistance, which should be expected whenever something new is introduced to people. Eventually, a consensus was reached between all the stakeholders and Ghana's Electoral Commission decided to use a biometric register for voting in the 2012 election.

The biometric registration commenced this weekend across the country. The two major political parties prepped their party agents and polling station agents ahead of the exercise, which is to last for 40 days (ends on 5th May 2012). Registration will go on for 10 continuous days at a particular polling station and move to another polling station until 5th May 2012. Everyone is supposed to register regardless of the fact that you hold a voters ID card. The biometric register requires that everyone is registered afresh. Anyone intending to register must be at least 18years old at the time of registration. They must be able to prove that they are Ghanaian. Thus, they must provide a valid identification document such as the old voters ID card, Ghanaian passport or driving licence. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) card will not suffice. If a person does not have any of the foregoing documents, they would have to get two persons who can vouch that they are Ghanaian and reside in the constituency in which they wish to register.

Already, there have been complaints from both sides (NPP and NDC) that underage children and foreigners (mostly Togolese) are being registered in their strongholds. The EC's response to this is that, complaints should be made on "Challenge Forms" which are available at the polling station. I suggest that this method should be used for obvious reasons as opposed to violence. There have been complaints regarding faulty machines, long queues, late arrival of EC officials etc. These were all anticipated so I encourage patience. It is our constitutional right to vote. The EC cannot deny that.

Thus, I hereby encourage all Ghanaians, and I mean all Ghanaians, who intend to vote in December 2012 to register.