The Electoral Commission has set up a vetting team to thoroughly audit the nomination forms of aspiring candidates in the run up to the December elections.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa noted that the Commission’s bid to ensure a credible process has necessitated the criterion developed.
Outlining their respective duties, she intimated that the two groups fall within the IT team and the technical team.
“As part of our efforts to ensure a transparent and fair and yet accountable process, the Commission has developed a criterion that enables candidates to be vetted along with benchmarks set up by law. The template is also aimed at guiding our team which will be awarding marks after scrutinizing and reviewing each of the forms. It is important to know that the Commission has set up two teams.
“The technical team will scrutinize the forms and ensure that candidates meet the qualifications as set out in the law. Namely, that the presidential candidates are 40 years old and have satisfied all tax obligations among others. And an IT team that will check and verify whether candidates and supporters are indeed registered, voters. The teams are to operate within the confines and law and not to exercise discretion. They have been tasked to be fair.”
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has submitted his nomination forms to contest in the 2020 presidential elections.
Accompanied by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, President Akufo-Addo is hopeful of successfully going through the nomination process.
Speaking after the filing of his nomination, he prevailed on the Electoral Commission (EC) to be just and transparent in the electoral process.
“What the Ghanaian people are expecting is that the election of December will be an election that will is conducted in peace, in freedom, in security and in transparency so that the results of the election will reflect the will of the Ghanaian people. Elections are not meant to be decided by you, or the officials that work for you. You are the referees in the contest.”
The forms were received by the Returning Officer, Jean Mensa.
Independent presidential candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah, has also submitted his nomination as this will be his second bid for the presidency.
Mr. Yeboah disclosed to the media moments after submitting the forms that he is going into the December polls as a running mate to one Alfred Kwame Walker, a yet-to-be unveiled candidate.
The flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama, however, is expected to file his nomination forms on Wednesday.
Filing of presidential nominations
The Electoral Commission started receiving nomination forms from presidential and parliamentary aspirants from yesterday, Monday, October 5, 2020. The exercise is expected to end on October 9.
The Commission will receive filled out nomination forms from the candidates between the hours of 9:00 am and 12 noon and 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm each day.
