The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has deployed a total of 100 observers for the up-coming 2020 Biometric Voter Registration Exercise.

 The exercise would be carried out by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) from June 30 to August 6.

A statement signed by Albert Kofi Arhin, National Coordinator CODEO, said the observers would undertake their observation duties in 100 selected constituencies throughout the country.

Ahead of their deployment, all the observers underwent a one-day training to enable them to conduct themselves professionally at all times during observation, it said.

The statement said CODEO’s main objective for observing the exercise was to promote electoral transparency, enhance public confidence and trust in the process, as well as promote credible and peaceful electoral outcomes.

The observation of the registration exercise kick-starts the Coalition’s observation activities for the 2020 general elections, it said.

“CODEO entreats all well-meaning Ghanaians to play their part in ensuring the registration exercise is peaceful and successful. CODEO also encourages all prospective applicants and stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the registration processes and procedures to facilitate the smooth conduct of the exercise,” the statement said.

The Coalition reiterates its call to all election stakeholders, particularly political party leaders and supporters, to utilize legal and peaceful processes to seek redress to all grievances in the course of the exercise.

The Coalition also entreats all stakeholders to be mindful of the dangers that the politics of violence and violent speech pose to national cohesion, peace and security, and the potential detrimental effects on the country’s development and progress.

“CODEO further reminds all registration applicants and stakeholders in the process to strictly observe all the prescribed COVID-19 health and safety protocols to help curb any potential spread of the virus,” it stated.

CODEO will share its observations on the exercise with the general public.

The Coalition’s observation of the voter registration exercise is supported by the STAR-Ghana Foundation.