Reports picked up today indicates that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has invited former military officer Major (Rtd.) Kwadwo Boakye-Djan who warned the Electoral Commission (EC) recently that its perceived scheming with the new voters’ register can spark a “civil war”.
Details of this invitation is still sketchy in what appears to have become a favourite protocol of the CID.
The CID appears to have grown accustomed to inviting particularly perceived opposition elements that express strong opinions about perceived injustice.
Boakye Djan is a former coupist and a former parliamentary aspirant on the ticket of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). A few days ago, he strongly warned the EC that it should brace for repercussions if it insists on compiling the controversial new voters’ register.
“The sacking of the former EC boss was politically motivated and political motivation, in this case, is to beef up the numbers so that they can win because they don’t have confidence in their winning numbers, otherwise, they wouldn’t tamper with the register; but more importantly, I don’t know how old you were in the 60s, but I’m telling you confidently that, in post-independence Africa, all crisis and civil wars had happened on the back of disputed elections and where they are going now, they are walking us into civil war and if they want it, they will get it, quote me”, Major (Rtd.) Boakye-Djan said on Okay FM two days ago.
Major Boakye-Djan may be talking from experience, giving the fact that he was one of the spearheads of the June 4, 1979 coup d’etat that brought Flt.Lt. JJ Rawlings and other junior officers to power.
The EC has been faced with overwhelming opposition for compiling the controversial register. That opposition has been intensified with the potential of it breaching social distancing decrees of the country against the dreaded Covid-19 coronavirus.
However, the EC has insisted that it would not be dictated to by any organisation or individuals as it is determined to push the register through against all odds.
Amidst the tension, the EC released a statement on Monday, insisting that it is unperturbed by the widespread criticism, saying plans are “far advanced”.
“All stakeholders are hereby reminded that plans are far advanced for the compilation of a new Voters Register with a new Voter Management System for the upcoming 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. The Commission is, however, sensitive to the current state of affairs due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and will abide by the necessary precautions and safety Protocols in the execution of its mandate when it deems it appropriate to begin the compilation of the register”, the EC said in a press statement.
But according to Maj. Boakye-Gyan, the attitude adopted by the election management body smacks of an attempt to rig the election for the ruling government even before the poll is conducted.