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The Electoral Commission (EC) appears to be on a collision course with the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the run-up to next year's General Elections.

This was after the electoral body served notice to political parties in the country that it does not need their approval for a new voters’ register to be compiled.

Dr Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the EC, speaking in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News Thursday, was emphatic that it lies only in the bosom of the EC to determine if and when "a new register is necessary", adding that the Commission will provide a new register in 2020 no matter the objections from any political party.

“Let me make this point very very clear…if the Electoral Commission wants to have a new register, we don’t have to consult the political parties to do it; by law we have the right; the constitution makes it very clear to us. If we want a new register, and if in the thinking of the commission…a new register has become necessary, we don’t have to consult the political parties…we will decide," he stated.

According to him, even if during an IPAC meeting the political parties stand against a new voter’s register and the commission feels it is good, the EC will go ahead with compiling it.

“In 2020 the electoral commission will provide a new register…We don’t need IPAC to tell us that oh now we think the register is bloated and so change it; it is squarely within the domain of the Electoral Commission. We can bring it to IPAC to discuss but it doesn’t mean that what the political parties will decide that is what we are going to do…” he added.

His remarks did not go down well with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who are already accusing the commission of some underhand dealings.

Speaking on the same platform, a ‘scandalised’ Elvis Afriyie, Director of Elections for the NDC, described Bossman as a ‘threat’ to the peace in the country.

“I am scandalised listening to him; where is this young man coming from? This young man is a danger and a threat to the peace and stability of this country. His tone, posture and language…he needs to go to Dr Afari Gyan and learn some lessons," he said.

According to him, “he is not doing us a favour; he’s an appointee of the government; he serves the state. He is not better than anybody so he should not talk anyhow. You don’t need the political parties? Go and take Abossey Okai people and conduct elections with them. This kind of disdain and contextual behaviours we are not going to accept it.”