The rescheduled special voting exercise for the Western and Eastern Regions is being held today, December 5, following its earlier postponement from the original date of December 2.
The Electoral Commission (EC) was compelled to reschedule the exercise after a leakage of ballot papers was detected, a development that raised serious concerns about the credibility of the election process.
The EC’s response to the ballot paper leakage was decisive, with the Commission ordering a recall and reprinting of all ballot papers for the affected regions.
Speaking at an emergency news conference on December 1, Jean Mensa stated;
“The recall was deemed necessary to ensure the voting process’s integrity before the 2024 General Election.”
Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission
The move was also in line with the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every phase of the election process is transparent and credible.
The special voting exercise is an integral part of the electoral process, allowing key groups such as security personnel, media representatives, and election officials to vote ahead of the general populace.
This year, there are 328 special voting centres across the country, catering to 131,478 voters on the special voting list.
These arrangements are designed to enable these individuals to carry out their respective duties on the main election day without hindrance.
Preparations Completed for Rescheduled Exercise
Speaking on December 4, Dr. Asare confirmed that all logistical arrangements had been finalized to ensure a smooth voting process.
“The Electoral Commission is very much ready for the special voting [Thursday]. All the materials that are required for the elections have been dispatched to the two regions, that is the Western Region and the Eastern Region.”
Dr. Bossman Asare Deputy Commissioner
According to Dr. Asare, the two regions will have a combined total of 50 special voting centres; 33 in the Eastern Region and 17 in the Western Region.
“So, we do expect that all those who are special voters in these two regions, regardless of where they are located now, will be able to make it to their special voting centres. Those who fail to vote on Thursday will not have the opportunity to do so on Saturday, 7 December.”
Dr. Bossman Asare Deputy Commissioner
Meanwhile, many stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, have expressed confidence in the Commission’s handling of the situation.
With today’s special voting exercise underway, the focus now shifts to the conduct of the process and its ability to set the tone for a peaceful and transparent general election.
Special voting plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency of election-day operations.
By allowing specific categories of individuals to vote early, the EC minimizes congestion at polling centres and facilitates the smooth execution of the election.
Today’s exercise in the Western and Eastern Regions, therefore, not only serves as a litmus test for the EC’s preparedness but also underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
As special voters head to the polls today, the EC’s efforts to restore credibility through transparency and swift action will be closely monitored.
The outcome of today’s exercise will undoubtedly influence perceptions of the Commission’s ability to deliver a free, fair, and credible election on December 7.
However, Special voters in the two regions are encouraged to participate actively in this critical phase of the election, as their input will help shape the outcome of the 2024 General Election.
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