The Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the Electoral Commission has criticised the National Democratic Congress' decision to hold a demonstration over the EC's refusal to conduct a forensic audit of the voter's register ahead of the December elections.

Samuel Tetteh argued that protests would not lead to a credible voter's register.

Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, September 12, he explained that the EC had repeatedly asked the NDC for data on the discrepancies it has alleged, but the party had yet to provide it.

“The Commission strongly believes the surest way to attaining a credible and robust register is not through demonstrations. There is simply nothing to demonstrate about,” he stated.

Read also: NDC to hold nationwide demonstration on Sept. 17 against EC – Asiedu Nketiah

For several weeks now, the NDC has raised concerns about some irregularities in the voter's register, declaring a nationwide demonstration against the EC on September 17 following its refusal to accept an independent audit of the register.

The calls became louder after the EC admitted that some of its district officers had transferred votes illegally without recourse to the law, an anomaly the Commission says it has corrected and penalized the officers involved.

The NDC's National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, announced a nationwide demonstration on September 17 against the EC over its refusal to conduct a forensic audit of the register.

The party's Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama has also backed the call and charged members to go out in their numbers to EC offices for the protest.

But the EC is asking the NDC to engage in discussions to resolve any issues, rather than resorting to demonstrations, adding that demonstrations will only "cause tensions and suspicions that are unwarranted."

“The EC believes that the best way to ascertain the credibility of the 2024 voter's register is at the discussion table not on the streets. Taking to the streets will not ensure a credible register," he insisted.

Read also: Police agree with NDC on routes for September 17 demo against EC

He assured the party that the EC would investigate any reported discrepancies and demonstrate that the concerns have been resolved.

The Electoral Commission further encouraged former President John Mahama and flagbearer of the NDC to bring the party to the negotiation table for a transparent process.

“We are confident that the former president will heed our calls and do everything in his power to bring his party to the decision table," EC added.