As the 2024 elections approach, a notable increase in female candidates is evident, with 3 women contesting for Presidential positions across different political parties.
Among them is Janet Asana Nabila, former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), who initially eventually chose to contest as an independent candidate. Her decision came after facing numerous challenges during the process of fulfilling the Electoral Commission’s (EC) requirements for registering a new political party. Madam Nabila shared the hurdles her team faced in trying to meet the EC’s criteria for registering a new political party.
These requirements included providing the Commission with several essential documents and resources, including party headquarters, a constitution, and details about the party’s national and regional executives.
“The Electoral Commission asks us for a party headquarters. They ask about a constitution; they told us to provide them with our regional and national executives. They told us to provide them with 262 district founders. They asked us to pay 40,000 Ghana Cedis. They asked us to establish 16 regional offices across the country which we did with haste.”
Janet Asana Nabila former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC)
Despite successfully meeting these demands, the EC informed her that some of the processes were incomplete due to their own busy schedule. The delay left Madam Nabila and her team frustrated as they had hoped to have the registration concluded by this time. She expressed her displeasure.
“They told us that they are busy, some of the things they were supposed to do, they couldn’t do them and for that matter, we can file as an independent candidate whilst the processes still go on.”
Janet Asana Nabila former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC)
Although Madam Nabila reluctantly accepted the EC’s suggestion to file as an independent candidate while waiting for the finalization of her party’s registration, she conveyed her dissatisfaction. She Pointed that; “We are not happy at all about it.”
Challenges of Paper-Based Systems
One of the major challenges Madam Nabila pointed out was the use of outdated, paper-based systems, despite the growing global emphasis on digitalization. She pointed out; “Look at the number of leaflets in front of you. We have to run round the whole 262 districts to get this, and they are supposed to write them in quadruplets.”
Madam Nabila highlighted the absurdity of such a process in an era where digital systems should dominate.
“In the 20% world, we are now in not even the ‘gen Z’ world, but then an alpha world where digitalization is supposed to be the hour of the day. Yet we have to do all these things.”
Janet Asana Nabila former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC)
Madam Nabila urged the Electoral Commission to modernize its procedures to make the process more efficient. We are pleading with the commission.”
Madam Nabila also reflected on the unprecedented challenges she encountered, emphasizing that such a strenuous registration process had not been witnessed before in Ghana’s history. However, she acknowledged the Electoral Commission for providing some relief in terms of reducing the cost, although she still found the overall process to be unnecessarily rigorous.
“In the history of this country, it has never happened before that the electoral commission will give a discount just to encourage people to press. While expressing her appreciation for the discount, she noted: “Let me use this opportunity to thank the commission.”
Janet Asana Nabila former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC)
Nonetheless, the Presidential Candidate Convention People’s Party (CPP) Nana Frimomaa Sarpong Kumankumah reiterated her belief that the EC could still make further improvements to the system moving forward. As a candidate aiming for the presidency, Madam Nabila sees her campaign as a representation of hope for the youth, women, and all Ghanaians who aspire to make a positive impact on the country. Nana Kumanmah running on behalf of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders. She expressed her desire for change.
“It is my belief and hope that as the woman, one of the women, and the first woman to stand for the Convention People’s Party, it’s going be there for all young people across the nation and everyone who has a dream and who believes in Ghana to be able to get up and do what is right for the nation.”
Janet Asana Nabila former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC)
Nana Kumankumah’s vision centers on empowering young people and women to take up leadership roles and contribute to Ghana’s development.
However, Despite the frustrations with the current electoral process, Madam Nabila remains optimistic that the Electoral Commission will successfully manage the upcoming 2024 elections. She expressed her hope that the EC Chairperson would ensure a transparent and smooth electoral process. This optimism was echoed by other political figures, including the Ghana Freedom Party’s Ekua Donko, who also expressed faith in the EC’s ability to deliver a fair election.
Madam Nabila then urged Ghanaians to trust in the process while pushing for reforms that would make the system more efficient and accessible for all.
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