Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the EC boss also said that the new CI will encourage all-year registration to the electoral roll.
“In the limited voter registration process, registration is done for a limited time and is not done throughout the year. This ensures that people who turn 18 after the registration period cannot do so after the limited registration period, usually in 2-3 weeks.
“In the new CI, anyone who is 18 years old can just go to the district office and register to vote. This is a departure from the previous one. The main advantage is that potential voters can register at any time. Eligible people will be free to do it at their leisure because they will be a year-round activity.
He also said that this would reduce the usual pressure on the registration center, “thereby reducing the possibility of any conflict.”
“This will prevent minors and foreigners from voting and will eliminate the guarantor system,” he added.
The draft constitutional instrument titled: General Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2021 has sparked controversy, especially the section that seeks to make the Ghana Card the only identification for eligible voters who want to enter the national register.
A minority has raised issues against the proposed CI.
On Thursday, February 23, he denied officials from the EC and the National Identification Authority (NIA) who were in Parliament to brief him on the proposed CI.