EC suspends Pusiga district officer over illegal voter transfers

The Electoral Commission (EC) has concluded its preliminary investigations into irregularities arising from the recent voter exhibition exercise, revealing the unlawful transfer of 38 voters. 

According to the Commission, these transfers were conducted using the credentials of an EC official, with records captured in the Voter Management System (VMS) audit logs.

The Electoral Commission’s investigation uncovered that facial verification of voter ID card photos was used to facilitate these illegal transfers.

“Preliminary investigations by the Commission have revealed that voter transfers were indeed effected for 38 individuals using the credentials of an Electoral Commission official,” Bossman Asare, the deputy chairman of the EC in charge of corporate services said at a press briefing on Monday (2 September).

“The records of those transfers are captured in the Voter Management System’s (VMS) audit logs. A look at the verification done during the transfer process shows that photos of the voters from their voter ID cards were used for facial verification and to effect the transfers,” he added.

In response, the EC said it has introduced a ‘liveliness check’ in its verification process to prevent future occurrences. 

This new feature ensures that biometric data is only captured from a live individual, rather than from a photograph or other spoofed sources.

“Following this incident, the Commission has introduced a ‘liveliness check’ in the verification process, which is a feature designed to ensure that the biometric data being captured is from a live, present human being and not from a spoofed source, such as a photograph, which is what was done in this case. The ‘liveliness check’ has since been built into the system to prevent any such future occurrence,” he said.

The EC has also launched a broader investigation to determine whether similar incidents have occurred in other areas, stating that while no evidence suggests widespread issues, the Commission is scrutinising cases beyond the reported incidents in the Tamale South and Sagnerigu constituencies. 

The Commission further stated that any illegal transfers identified will be reversed, and those responsible will face legal consequences.

“The Commission is currently investigating. While the Commission does not have any evidence to believe that this occurrence is widespread, we have instituted investigations to ascertain if similar incidents occurred elsewhere beyond the reported case in the Tamale South and Sagnerigu Constituencies. Any such transfers will be reversed and the perpetrators of such acts shall be dealt with according to the law,” Bossman Asare said.

As part of its initial findings, the EC has suspended the Pusiga District Electoral Officer, who has been asked to respond to the Commission’s findings. 

Further actions will be determined following the conclusion of ongoing investigations, with the public to be informed accordingly.

“Following preliminary investigations, the Commission has suspended the Pusiga District Electoral Officer and has invited him to respond to the Commission’s findings. Once the investigations are concluded, the Commission will take the appropriate action and inform the public accordingly,” he added.

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