Why the Electoral Commission is discontinuing the use of indelible ink for elections
The Ghana Electoral Commission (EC) has determined that indelible ink will not be used in the forthcoming district-level election and subsequent polls.
Indelible ink, a semi-permanent color typically applied to voters’ fingertips to indicate the exercise of their franchise and avoid double voting, is being phased out.
The decision was made by EC Chair Jean Mensa at a news conference before the December 19 district-level election. The measure, she noted, is part of the Commission’s attempts to improve the election process and develop a strong identification system.
“The issue of indelible ink—the question is when we weren’t doing biometrics, we were basically using your face, your card,” Madam Mensa said. We look at your face and say, “This looks like you.”
She stressed that the use of biometric technologies has made it difficult for people to vote more than once. After a voter has been confirmed and voted, the system records the information to avoid any attempts at multiple voting.
Mensa questioned anyone who attempted to vote twice, saying, “Once you have been verified, it goes into the system, and you cannot come back a second time.” If you want, you can attempt it in this election. Of course, this will be considered an electoral offense.”
According to Madam Mensa, the biometric identification system detects and flags any attempts at numerous registrations, protecting the integrity of the voting process.
The inclusion of face characteristics and fingerprints in biometric technology adds an added layer of security, making a second vote nearly impossible.
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