The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned political parties against interference as it prepares to re-open new voters register next month. The last exercise organised in 2008 was bedeviled with unwarranted bickering and accusations, nasty clashes, multiple registration as well as registration of minors perpetuated mostly by the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party. Officials of the Commission say 5,000 centres will be established in each electoral area. An estimated two million names are expected to be added to the current eight million list at the end of the exercise. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the register will be opened from 11 to 20th June 2010 for first time voters and those who just turned 18. A provision would be made for those who have lost their voter ID cards. Acting Public Relation Officer of the Electoral Commission, Mr Christian Owusu-Pare, in an interview with Joy News asked political parties to respect laid-down rules to avoid compromising the process. “We are calling for the corporation from stakeholders especially the political parties that they should desist from sending minors to register.” Parents have also been advised to be on the lookout for politicians who tend to exploit their children by registering them even though they are under-age. “It is an offence for anybody who has not attained the voting age of 18 years to attempt to put his name on the voters register. “I will like to appeal to parents to ensure that their children who are not yet 18 don’t go near the registration centre because if they are found out they may have to go to jail for at least a year.” Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana