The Minority in Parliament has rejected the decision of the Electoral Commission (EC) to reduce the number of polling stations by 6,300 for up upcoming registration exercise.

Addressing the press after the Special Budget Committee of Parliament met the Chair of EC, Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu said the decision is troubling since it can crimple the future of the country’s democracy.

“They [EC] intend to phase out some 6,300 registration centres out of the 33, 000 registration centres across the during the registration exercise.

“And this troubles my heart because Article 42 will not be observed in essence through making it available to Ghanaian people a legitimate and guaranteed right that they are entitled to under law,” he stated.

The Tamale North MP further noted that the phase out decision will not give all electorates equal chance to register.

He then expressed disappointment in the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission for abysmally handling the democratic process of the country.

Responding to the Minority leader’s claims, Deputy EC chair, Dr Bossman Asare denied the allegations that the Commission intends to downsize the existing over 33,000 polling centers in the upcoming registration exercise.

According to him, the exercise will be conducted in phases.

“It is not true that we have reduced the polling stations, all that we are saying that we will carry out the registration in phases.

“So we will start with 6,000 registration centres for six days then we will move on to another location. Therefore, all Ghanaians should be assured that we will register everyone,” he stressed.