Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly criticized the actions of the Ashanti Regional Director during the ballot distribution process in the ongoing special voting exercise, claiming these actions threaten the security and integrity of the electoral process.
“I was in Ashanti yesterday, and clearly, the regional director there needs to be called to order,” Dr. Tanko-Computer stated. “If there is any breach of security in this country, it could be attributed to this director’s actions.”
He explained that during the ballot distribution, which is part of the preparations before Election Day, political parties are allowed to place their seals on the ballot boxes once the materials are packed.
However, the Ashanti Regional Director allegedly ordered district directors not to allow the NDC to place their seals on the ballot boxes, a practice that has been in place since 1992.
“When I confronted him, I made it clear that this is a primary procedure we have followed for decades.
I don’t know whether he’s just been appointed from Jupiter, but clearly, he doesn’t understand the electoral process,” Dr. Tanko-Computer said.
He added that he had to call the election commissioners in Accra, who were shocked by the director’s actions, and they intervened to ensure the NDC could place their seals on the ballot boxes.
Dr. Tanko-Computer also raised concerns about the director’s handling of the pink sheet during the voting process.
The pink sheet contains a column for the validation stamp number, which is supposed to be filled out before voting begins.
However, the Ashanti Regional Director allegedly ordered officials not to provide political parties with the validation stamp number until after 5:00 PM.
“Who gave him that mandate? Who trained him? I had to call the commissioners again to correct him,” Dr. Tanko-Computer said. “Why should I have to keep teaching him how to do his job?”
“Is there something he’s hiding, or is he trying to manipulate the process in the region with these kinds of orders?”
