The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has put forth a proposal to change the date for both Presidential and Parliamentary elections from December 7 to November 7, 2024. This proposal, which was initially suggested by political parties, aims to provide the commission with ample time to effectively manage its operations, particularly in the event of a run-off.
During the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on Monday, January 22, 2024, these proposals were discussed. The EC also expressed its desire for election days to be designated as national holidays in order to enhance public participation in the electoral process.
Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission, Bossman Asare, emphasized that discussions regarding these proposals will continue in the coming week. He highlighted the importance of gathering feedback from the political parties and their leadership, stating, "This is something we are ready to meet them next week again for another meeting because we made it clear that this proposal came from you, and we think it is the right time to implement it."
Furthermore, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church has requested a change in the election date for this year. In a petition to the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General, the church cited that the current election date, which falls on a Saturday, conflicts with the Sabbath—a holy day dedicated to the worship of God. The church has proposed the adoption of "the first (1st) or second (2nd) Tuesday of November" as the new date for Ghana’s general elections.
It is evident that there are important considerations to be made regarding the election date in order to accommodate various stakeholders, including political parties and religious organizations. The EC's willingness to engage in discussions and consider the perspectives of all involved parties demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a democratic and inclusive electoral process.
As these discussions progress, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a solution that upholds the principles of democracy while respecting the diverse religious practices within the country. The outcome of these deliberations will have a significant impact on the future electoral landscape of Ghana.
-source citinewsroom| curated by Micheal Lawal | Mydailyreports24
0 Comments