The Electoral Commission (EC) has raised alarm over a leaked strategy attributed to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra region.
The plan entails the deployment of drones during the upcoming electoral process, sparking concerns over potential breaches of voters’ privacy and security protocols.
The commission vehemently opposed the proposed use of drones, arguing that such actions would constitute an infringement on voters’ electoral privacy and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
The EC’s stance was prompted by revelations made by Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, who disclosed the party’s intention to employ drones as part of their strategy to secure two million votes in the upcoming elections.
Nii Ashie Moore clarified that the primary objective of deploying drones was to enhance the NDC’s monitoring capabilities and prevent potential electoral malpractices, including rigging.
However, the Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, emphasized that the commission had not received formal notification from the NDC regarding the proposed drone deployment.
Dr. Quaicoe emphasised the necessity of adhering to established security protocols and stressed the importance of maintaining the secrecy of the ballot.
“Polling stations are security zones. They will have to apply to the security people for permission to be granted. They will have to apply to the Electoral Commission for permission to be granted,” he said.
Expressing skepticism about the feasibility of approving drone usage at polling stations, Dr. Quaicoe highlighted the potential discomfort and concerns regarding the secrecy of the ballot that could arise from the presence of drones hovering over voters.
“The fact remains that polling stations are security zones. We want to ensure the secrecy of the ballot. So at the polling station where I am going to make my choice, I want to vote in that secrecy,” he added.