The New Patriotic Party (NPP) said it had overwhelming evidence that
the electoral roll used for polls in 2012 was bloated with ineligible
voters, including the names of Togolese nationals.
Togo is home to
the Ewe ethnic group that is also found in southeastern Ghana, where
its members are regarded as strong supporters of President John Mahama's
National Democratic Congress (NDC).
"The voters' register is
incurably flawed and cannot be relied on for the 2016 elections," NPP
vice presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia told a news conference.
"This morning we presented our arguments and evidence on this matter to
the electoral commission.
"The evidence is damning and shows that Ghana's voters register has been compromised," he said.
The
new register should be created by June next year and be independently
audited by an internationally reputable firm ahead of December's
election, Bawumia added.
The NPP challenged the results of Ghana's
2012 presidential ballot in court, saying Mahama had benefited from
illegitimate ballots. The court upheld Mahama's win after eight months
of legal wrangling.
Ghana is considered a model of African
democracy thanks to a track record of peaceful elections, regular
changes of power and respect for the rule of law since its return to
democratic rule in 1992.
The West African state enjoyed years of
strong economic growth from its exports of gold, cocoa and oil but was
obliged to adopt a $918-million, 3-year deal with the International
Monetary Fund in April to correct a persistent fiscal deficit.
The
West African country is also grappling with a prolonged power crisis
that has crippled industries, leading to stunted economic growth and
angry voters.
Mahama is seeking re-election next year in what is expected to be a tight contest between him and the NPP's Nana Akufo Addo.
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