Include Drivers, Mates in Special Voter Lists - National Concerned Drivers Association appeals to EC
National Concerned Drivers Association appealed to Electoral Commission to consider drivers and their mates to the special voter lists.
Joana Somiah 
The members of the National Concerned Drivers Association have appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC)of Ghana to add the drivers and their mates to the special voter lists in order not to disenfranchise them from participating in the national electioneering voting.
In a statement signed and issued by the National Chairman of Association, Mr William Osei and the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Association, Mr David Agboado, Association pointed out that the proposal of EC to close the poll at 3 pm rather than 5 pm would not favour the drivers and their mates.
The statement which was copied to this news outlet pointed out there is clear evidence that drivers are mostly the last people to be cast their votes at centres due to busy schedules transporting people to their various centres to exercise their franchise.
They indicated that the EC has from 2019 proposed closing the poll at 3 pm rather than 5 pm
They stated that during this year’s IPAC meeting, the electoral commission has hinted at this proposal aiming at implementing.
According to the commission, their own experience from the 2020 election has revealed that the 3 pm is a workable proposal as by 1 pm most polling stations were empty and base on the scenario they suggest ending at 3 pm is workable.
"As drivers union, we would like to draw the attention of the commission that, even with the 5 pm only 46% of drivers and conductors were able to vote during the 2020 polls.
"In consultation with sister transport unions, we pleading with the commission to consider among the special voters if they proposing for 3 pm or to just maintain the 5 pm which is however considerate," they stressed.
They called on all political parties and relevant stakeholders in elections to consider the plea of drivers to enable us to also exercise our constitutional mandate.
"We hope and believe that the EC will take into consideration our plight," they pleaded.
Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu Greater Accra Regional Correspondent
