A group of first time voters under the auspices of the Youth Bridge Foundation wants the EC to initiate and maintain regular engagements with the youth on electoral activities.
The first time voters made the appeal when they paid a courtesy call on the Chairperson of the EC Mrs Jean Mensa in Accra. In a response the EC said it will commence an engagement with first time voters on electoral violence.
The number of first time voters in 2012 constituted 13 percent of the total registered voters. The number increased to 20 percent in 2016 and is expected to go a notch higher this year when the register is certified. This means first time voters will play a critical role in the determination of the next government which will be sworn into office in January 7.
It is for this reason that the EC for the first time in its history interacted with a group of individuals who will be casting their votes for the first time. Chiarperson of the EC Mrs Jean Mensa commended the Youth Bridge Foundation for putting together the first time voter initiative.
The Programmes Cordinator for Youth Bridge Foundation Joyce Nyame said they “seek to mobilize youth first time voters and help build their capacity on electoral activities”.
She also appealed to the EC to consider donating some of its old and dormant biometric Verification devices to SHS and tertiary institutions. This is to help facilitate the registration of students and eradicate impersonation in examinations.
Popular Kumawood actress Clara Amoateng Benson also known as Maame Serwaa was among about 30 first time voters who paid the courtesy on the EC Chairperson.
The Head of Gender, Youth and Disability at the EC Abigail Nutakor said the EC will be engaging the first time voters on electoral violence in the near future.
Story by Nathaniel Nartey
