The Electoral Commission (EC) has reversed the decision to prevent political party agents from observing the transfer of votes exercise.

In a release signed by Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Fred Tetteh, on June 4, the EC said the decision stemmed from concerns from stakeholders following its initial decision.

“Following internal discussions and in consideration of the concerns of some stakeholders, the Commission has decided to revert to its decision made at IPAC.

"The Commission has directed its Officers at the Districts to allow Agent of Political Parties to observe the Transfer of Votes Exercise with effect from tomorrow Wednesday, 5th June, 2024," portions of the release read.

On Monday, June 3, the EC issued a directive to its Regional Directors, instructing them to inform District Directors that agents of political parties will not be allowed to observe the ongoing transfer of votes. 

• Read also: Don’t allow political party agents to observe the votes transfer exercise – EC tells its directors

In a memo obtained by MyJoyOnline.com, the EC explained that the decision comes in response to several clashes that have occurred at its district offices.

The Commission said it aims to prevent further disturbances and ensure a smooth vote transfer process.

The EC emphasised that while party agents will not be permitted to observe the process, the Commission is still committed to transparency. 

Following the directive, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) refused to adhere to this directive.

The NDC argues that this directive could potentially facilitate gerrymandering through unlawful voter transfers, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

• Read also: Ignore EC’s gerrymandering tactics; monitor votes transfer exercise – NDC to its agents

But the Director of Elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Evans Nimako, said the party would not deploy agents to monitor the ongoing vote transfer exercise.

• Read also: We’ll comply with directive not to deploy agents to centres – NPP tells EC