EC Chair, Deputies cited for contempt over limited voter registration exercise
Ayitah who has already filed an originating motion and an interlocutory injunction at the High Court in Tema against the process, argues that the EC's decision to still conduct the limited registration exercise in its district offices instead of the existing electoral areas is prejudicial, as the court is yet to hear her two former applications.
Ayitah Precious, a non-registered voter resident in Otsebleku, near Afienya in the Greater Accra Region has cited the Electoral Commission's Chair, Jean Mensa, and her two deputies for contempt over the 2023 Limited Voter Registration exercise which started earlier today, September 12, and ends on October 2, 2023.
Ayitah who has already filed an originating motion and an interlocutory injunction at the High Court in Tema against the process, argues that the EC's decision to still conduct the limited registration exercise in its district offices instead of the existing electoral areas is prejudicial, as the court is yet to hear her two former applications.
In her supporting affidavit, she further argues that had the exercise been designated in her electoral area, it would have been in closer proximity to her residence, and enable her to participate in the process.
"I reside at Otsebleku, near Afienya in the Greater Accra Region of the Republic of Ghana, that is about Forty-four point three kilometres (44.3 km) from the district office of the Electoral Commission in Prampram using the Accra-Aflao road and about Thirty-seven point five kilometres (37.3 km) using the AkosomboAccra road.
I cannot afford the cost of moving from my residence at Otsebleku to the 1st Respondent's district office at Prampram to take part in the limited voter registration exercise," parts of her contempt application read.
Additionally, the suit mentions that the decision by the EC to restrict the limited registration exercise to its district offices amounts to suppression and a breach of her right to vote.
“That the Respondent's intent to continue with the limited voter registration exercise at its district offices jeopardizes the outcome of the Applicant's interlocutory injunction and substantive suit before this court and is therefore contemptuous to this Honourable court.”
“That in the circumstances, I humbly pray that this honourable court commits the respondent to prison for contempt.”
The application is expected to be heard on October 16, 2023.
