EC not prepared for a credible 2020 polls, they should postpone it - Odike

The Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Kwasi Addae Odike, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to postpone the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The politician says the EC is unprepared for the 2020 general elections and the best way to be prepared and prevent any form of challenges would be for them to postpone the elections.

The businessman believes the decision by the EC to use the Ghana card data as a requirement to register eligible voters is an exercise that cannot be completed before the elections.

He said the Ghana card registration exercise has not been completed and a lot of Ghanaian voters have not been captured.

The EC wants Parliament to pass legislation that will enable citizens to use only the Ghana Card and the passport for registration into the voters’ register.

The NDC has sued the EC, challenging its intention.

In its writ filed against the EC and the Attorney-General (A-G), the biggest opposition party is seeking a declaration that the move by the EC is unconstitutional because it will disenfranchise many potential voters.

Commenting on this, Mr. Odike expressed worry the situation could lead to electoral dispute.

He advised the EC to postpone the polls if they want all stakeholders to accept the results from the 2020 polls.

He is also arguing that the outbreak of the coronavirus would make it difficult for the country to conduct the general elections.

To him, the outbreak will affect political campaigns and affect parties contesting the elections.

He said: "the current state of affairs would also make it impossible for the EC to organise the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections. The EC would not be able to strictly follow its schedule timetable for a credible election.”