The Electoral Commission of Ghana, has outlined some crucial decisions and updates after the successful convening of its Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on March 7, 2023.
The Acting Head of Public Affairs, Michael Boadu, in a statement, communicated that all participating parties and stakeholders during its Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting accepted the proposed calendar for the 2024 Election, signifying a unified commitment to the outlined schedule.
“The Electoral Commission held a meeting to discuss its 2024 Plan with the leadership of the Political Parties under the auspices of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson of the Commission.
“In attendance were the Deputy Chairmen of the Commission for Operations and Corporate Services, and representatives from Civil Society and Development Partners”
Michael Boadu, Acting Head Public Affairs, Electoral Commission
Mr Michael Boadu further indicated that the Electoral Commission agreed to maintain the date for the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, stating that the elections will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
However, the Acting Head of Public Affairs of the Commission noted that legal processes will be initiated to explore the possibility of moving the general elections to November, with a formal proposal scheduled for consideration in 2028.
According to Mr Boadu, the Electoral Commission would commence the process by submitting a Memo to the office of Attorney General and Minister of Justice for onward considerations and discussion.
Touching on the Electoral Commission’s Constitutional Instruments for the 2024 general elections, Mr Boadu indicated that the Commission assured all political parties and stakeholders during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee that no new Constitutional Instruments (C.I.s) will be introduced ahead of the Voter Registration Exercise and the General Elections.
The Actting Head of Public Affairs of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Michael Boadu underscored the Commission’s commitment to use the existing Constitutional Instruments in the processes leading to December 7 polls.
EC To Maintain Indelible Ink
Furthermore, the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s statement emphasized the Commission’s commitment to maintain the use of the indelible ink in the 2024 general elections for the purpose of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The statement further recounted that the Commission’s limited voter registration exercise is set to occur for 21 days, commencing on Tuesday, May 7, and concluding on Monday, May 27, 2024.
According to the statement, the exercise would take place in the District Offices of the Electoral Commission and challenging-to-access Electoral Areas as well. Here, the statement emphasized that permanent centers will be established at District offices, while mobile teams will facilitate registration in hard-to-reach Electoral Areas.
Mr Boadu also noted that a detailed list of registration centers will be provided to the various political parties in the country no later than 21 days before the commencement of the registration exercise.
Moreover, the Acting Head of the Public Affairs of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Michael Boadu indicated the filing fees for the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections will remain the same as it was in the 2020 general elections.
He also stated that the various political parties’ representatives who attended the Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting made valuable contributions and insights into the 2024 Election Plan during the meeting.
Mr Boadu recounted the Electoral Commission’s commitment and openness to implementing several of the suggestions made by the representatives of the various political parties who attended its Inter-Party Advisory meeting.
READ ALSO: Dr. Omane Boamah Commends EC Following Successfully IPAC Meeting