The Electoral Commission (EC) has indicated that it would maintain the original ballot order for the 2024 presidential election, following the recent disqualification of Philip Appiah Kubi, the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) candidate.
The announcement, made by EC Chairperson Jean Mensa at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting yesterday, signified a key step in finalizing preparations for the upcoming election.
The Electoral Commission, she disclosed would resume printing of presidential ballot papers which was suspended following the death of the Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor.
Jean Mensa noted that the EC is committed to a smooth, timely process and that the disqualification of the GFP candidate does not necessitate any changes to the ballot structure.
Addressing party representatives, Jean Mensa shared that the printing of presidential ballots is already 90 percent complete, emphasizing the Commission’s dedication to meeting all deadlines.
She highlighted that the EC’s preparations are progressing on schedule, ensuring that election materials will be ready well before voting day.
“This morning, we are here to inform you of the Commission’s decision to maintain the presidential ballot as it is. As you may be aware since you have representatives in the printing houses, we are almost 90 percent complete with the printing of presidential ballots.”
Philip Appiah Kubi was nominated as a replacement for Akua Donkor, the party’s initial presidential candidate and founder, who tragically passed away on Monday, October 28.
For the EC, maintaining the current ballot arrangement avoids disruption and minimises the risk of logistical issues.
While Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 127 and the 1992 Constitution do not make express provisions in the case of the death of a presidential candidate, the Commission is guided by Sub-Regulation 5 of Regulation 10 of C.I. 127 that makes the following provision on the withdrawal of a parliamentary candidate:
“Where a duly nominated candidate whose name appears on the nominated list displayed at the constituency centre withdraws as candidate after ballot papers and related election notices have been printed, the ballot papers and related notices may continue to include the name and other particulars of the candidate.”
The Commission recommended therefore that together with Stakeholders, C.I. 127, after the 2024 election would have to be reviewed in order to make provisions that would cater for a situation where a presidential candidate dies.
