Logistical constraints are among the difficulties that could affect the smooth conduct of this year's general election in the Northern Region. In spite of the vastness of the region, the Electoral Commission does not have enough vehicles to cover all the 18 districts in the area while some of the existing vehicles break down frequently. In addition, only nine out of the 18 district offices of the commission currently have telephone facilities. The Northern Regional Director of the Commission, Mr Sylvester D. Kanyi, disclosed this at a recent regional Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on "building confidence in the outcome of the 2008 election", held in Tamale. It was organised by the EC in collaboration with KAB Governance Consult and the Frederick Ebert Foundation. The director observed that the above difficulties, coupled with the lack of publicity, the late arrival of materials and the inability of political parties to participate fully, accounted for the poor turnout in the just-ended exercise to replace lost voter identity (ID) cards in the region. The exercise also offered opportunity to Voters whose voter IDs were defaced or damaged to have them replaced. A total of 19,593 voters, comprising 18,727 resident applicants and 866 non-residents, were covered. The Tamale metropolis recorded the highest with 3,351 applicants while the Karaga District had the lowest of 459. Two persons whose names were not disclosed are currently facing prosecution at Bole for alleged multiple registration. Mr Kanyi further said difficulties in locating replacement centres were some of the challenges they encountered in the 10-day exercise. "Despite these challenges, we were able to brave through the storm and achieve results," he stated. The director also expressed the hope that potential parties, the media and all stakeholders would offer their full support to ensure the success of the forthcoming voters registration. Source: Daily Graphic