The Electoral Commission (EC) says despite attacks on its staff, it is still motivated to do its work because of its high sense of responsibility to the country.

Deputy Chairperson for Corporate Services, Georgina Opoku Amankwaa says attempts to vilify and discredit even the commissioners and their work can be demoralizing.

The Deputy Chairperson who spoke to Nhyira FM in Kumasi said such tendencies could discourage many competent people from sacrificing and making available their expertise for national progress.

Members of the EC have in recent times come under public attacks, especially from the leadership of some political parties.

Presidential aspirant of All People's Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, recently used unprintable words on live radio against the Commissioner, Charlotte Osei after his disqualification together with 11 others for anomalies in their nomination forms.

Opoku Amankwaa says though such attacks are considered occupational hazards, they could have serious psychological effects on victims.

According to her, though members of the EC sometimes laugh off such attacks, the frequency is worrying, especially the verbal assault on and the vilification of the Mrs Osei when she is blameless.

With no particular reference to Mr Ayariga who later apologized for his comments, she says attacking people who work diligently to keep their offices could be demoralizing and does not augur well for the nation.

The Deputy Chair conceded that the Commission like any human institution, is bound to make mistakes, but it becomes an issue when it is deliberate.

She, however, maintained that this does not provide any avenue for politicians to pitch their supporters against commissioners and staff.

According to her, comments by political leaders that the EC will rig the elections are not good; a situation she says will pitch their supporters against the Electoral Commission.