The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Ghana, Madam Jean Adukwei Mensa has announced that the commission is maintaining the original presidential balloting despite the death of the flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party, Madam Akua Donkor.
In a crucial address at an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, also announced that the commission has disqualified the new presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party, Philip Kwabena Agyemang aka Roman Fada who replaced the late Madam Akua Donkoh following her unfortunate departure.
According to her the move by the Electoral Commission to retain the presidential balloting was in the national interest and intended to save both time and public funds. “We are here to inform you of the Commission’s decision to maintain the presidential ballot as it is,” Madam Jean Mensah stated to representatives of the political parties assembled.
She explained that printing of the ballots was nearly 90% complete when the EC requested a temporary halt in printing to address legal matters following the death of Madam Akua Donkoh.
Madam Jean Mensah further noted that with the disqualification of the Ghana Freedom Party’s replaced presidential candidate, the EC has opted to resume printing without any changes to the ballot layout.
No changes to the Ballot, No Re-balloting
Moreover, Madam Jean Mensah underscored that the Commission’s intent was neither to re-arrange candidate positions nor to undertake a new ballot.
She emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to inform political parties of the decision to retain the current ballot design, which includes the image, name, and party symbol of the disqualified candidate.
She stated clearly, “We are not here to change positions. We are not here to re-ballot. We are simply here to inform you that the Commission intends to notify our printing houses to proceed with the presidential ballot as is.”
Financial and Logistical Considerations
The EC Chairperson emphasized the financial and logistical rationale behind the decision, noting the potential savings in cost and time at a critical moment in Ghana’s electoral process. “This decision is being made in the interest of time and to save this country millions of Cedis,” Mensah remarked.
She highlighted that the Commission’s goal was to avoid unnecessary delays and additional expenses, especially as the December elections are fast approaching
Measures to Avoid Confusion Among Voters
Recognizing potential concerns about voter confusion, particularly with the image of the late Madam Akua Donkoh still present on the ballot, Madam Jean Mensah assured the parties that comprehensive public education would follow to inform the electorate.
In closing, Madam Jean Mensah reiterated the simplicity and necessity of the EC’s decision, thanking party representatives for their attendance and cooperation. “Our task here this morning is very simple,” she concluded. “We’d like to thank you for coming.”
With the Electoral Commission moving to formalize the directive with the printing houses, the stage is set for a more streamlined finalization of electoral materials as Ghana prepares for the December 2024 presidential election.
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