‘Secret Ballot” Rule… NPP Delegates Warned.

The Electoral Commission has warned that any voter who breaches the rules of secret ballot at Saturday’s election of a flag bearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) towards the 2016 elections would have their ballot rejected.

According to Ms Sylvia Annor, a Principal Public Relations Officer at the Commission, any act that violates the rules of the elections would not be tolerated.

At the last primaries in August which shortlisted the candidates from seven to five, national party chairman, Mr Paul Afoko and Ashanti Regional Chairman, Antwi Boasiako deliberately publicly displayed their ballots before they dropped it in the box.

Whilst Mr Afoko after his vote showed it to his aide who in turn told other people, Antwi Boasiako on his part raised his ballot for all gathered to see. All these incidents happened in Kumasi.

Speaking on the preparedness of the commission for the elections on Peace FM Monday morning, Ms Annor said such acts would not be tolerated on Saturday.

She said once the rules say secret ballot that should be observed as such. If you go home and decide to tell someone that is fine but at the polling station, the rule must apply, she added. Ms Annor explained that delegates could wear NPP T-shirts to the polling station but they should ensure that it does not have the pictures or names of the contesting candidates in it.

She announced the commission was ready and all ballot papers have been printed and they have identified all 276 polling stations in the country in collaboration with the party.

She all 275 constituencies would have one polling station in addition to one at NPP national headquarters in Accra.