We are committed to free, fair polls in 2012 – NDC

The ruling National Democratic Congress has reiterated its commitment to ensure next year’s elections are free and fair.

The party says it will abide by all the rules and regulations as well as the political parties’ code on elections.

It is therefore asking its supporters to conduct themselves in a manner that would not breach any law in the country before, during and after the elections.

Vice Chairman, Alhaji Hudu Yahaya told Joy News the party is committed to upholding the constitution.

He said the party exists to foster peace and facilitate development for the benefit of the citizenry and would not do anything that will undermine the peace and security of the country.

In a related development, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has asked the Electoral Commission to ensure the biometric voter register is verifiable.

The Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Gabriel Charles Palmer Buckle told Joy FM verification “is a sine qua non for biometric registration of any kind.”

He said the arguments that providing a verification system will cost the nation a further $20 million are not very sound because if the country considers it important to provide the system, it will find the money to do that.

The opposition NPP has been pushing for the inclusion of the verification component.

The Bishops’ Conference also wants the EC to embark on civic education programmes so citizens can make inputs to ensure the biometric register sees smooth implementation.

The issues were highlighted in a communiqué released at the end of the annual plenary assembly of the bishops held in Takoradi.

The conference is also joining the campaign for the establishment of a political framework for the efficient management of post-election scenarios including the transfer of political power from one administration to another.

The framework it says should provide and regulate political transfer of power and other related matters for a smooth political transition.