The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially announced the commencement dates for the 2023 Voters Registration exercise and the District Level Elections (DLE). This announcement was made during a press briefing held in Accra on Thursday, August 17, under the theme “Let the Citizen Know.”
The EC’s Chairperson, Jean Mensa, revealed that the Voters Registration exercise is set to begin on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, and will conclude on Monday, October 2, 2023. This period will provide eligible citizens the opportunity to register to vote, ensuring their participation in the upcoming electoral processes. The District Level Elections (DLE) are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
During the press briefing, Chairperson Jean Mensa shared ambitious goals for the registration exercise, stating that the EC aims to register a total of 1,350,000 individuals by the conclusion of this year’s registration period. The EC’s commitment to this target reflects its dedication to expanding the electoral base and encouraging broader civic participation in the democratic process.
It is important to note that the registration exercise and the District Level Elections are vital components of Ghana’s democratic system. The DLE will be conducted in a total of 6,272 electoral areas across all districts of the country, except for Nkoranza North and South in the Bono East Region, which will not be participating in the upcoming elections.
Chairperson Mensa also provided some context to the announcement by referring to the previous registration exercise in 2020. She highlighted that, as of the last registration exercise in 2020, the National Identification Authority (NIA) had successfully registered over 10 million individuals. This indicates a significant portion of the population with National Identification, which can facilitate a more streamlined registration process for the upcoming Voters Registration exercise.
The EC’s announcement marks a crucial step in the preparation for the 2023 Voters Registration exercise and the subsequent District Level Elections. The citizens of Ghana now have clear dates to look forward to for their participation in these democratic processes. The EC’s commitment to achieving its registration target reflects a determination to enhance the democratic representation and ensure that as many eligible citizens as possible can exercise their right to vote.
As the nation eagerly anticipates these events, all eyes will be on the Electoral Commission to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process and election day. With the democratic spirit of Ghana in full display, the 2023 Voters Registration exercise and District Level Elections hold the promise of shaping the future of the country’s local governance and overall political landscape.
