The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has made a plea to the Electoral Commission (EC) to establish voter transfer centres on various University campuses.
The request is aimed at allowing its members who are registered voters
but due to their academic obligations, they will be unable to cast their votes in their various constituencies.
The students body in a statement dated June 5, 2024 explained that the request was made necessary by the fact that a sizable portion of its members are currently studying at different universities across the nation, distant from their hometowns.
The statement highlighted that many students are currently engaged in mid-semester exams, while final-year students are heavily involved in conducting research for their final project works. It further cited the cost of commuting between their former voting locations and current campuses, especially considering the country’s economic situation as a major concern.
NUGS stressed the importance of ensuring that these students exercise their constitutional right to vote as stipulated in the 1992 constitution of Ghana; Article 42. It states that “Every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years or above who is of sound mind has the right to vote.”
“A person shall be registered as a voter if they are a citizen of Ghana and are of eighteen years or above” according to Article 43 of the 1992 constitution.
“We kindly request that the Electoral Commission takes the necessary steps to enable the limited transfer of votes for our members, in accordance with the following constitutional requirements: Article 45 which states that “A voter shall vote at the polling station where they are registered” and Article 46 which states that “The Electoral Commission shall make regulations for the transfer of votes.”
“We believe that this will ensure that our members are not disenfranchised and can fully participate in the democratic process come December.”