Dr. Omane Boamah
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked the Electoral Commission (EC) to postpone the proposed change of date for the national elections till 2028.
According to the NDC, although it supports the change in the date for national elections, implementation is not feasible.
This follows an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting with political parties on the Electoral Commission’s proposal to change the date for the election, yesterday.
The NDC’s Director of Elections, Dr. Omane Boamah, speaking at the meeting said the party has decided to allow the EC to make the reform, but is seeking that implementation begin in the 2028 elections.
The NDC last week opposed the proposal of the EC to have the date for elections changed from December 7 to November 7. They, however, said the decision was a consensus.
However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) claims that it is untrue, as they want the implementation to be for the 2024 elections.
Director of Elections for the NPP, Evans Nimako, noted, “Others who said the EC should consider changing it, said it could be considered in 2028. So what is this position that the NPP supported the position that should be done in the next elections?
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, last week advocated moving the presidential and parliamentary elections from December to November during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting.
She also wanted the election days to be designated as national holidays as part of the proposals for the change in timetable for the national elections.
Mrs. Mensa said declaring election days as national holidays could encourage greater civic participation and foster stronger democratic culture in the country.
The EC chair’s proposal to hold the elections in November comes after a petition by the Seventh Day Adventist Church for the country to reconsider the December 7 date for general elections.
The church has expressed worry that its members may be disenfranchised since December 7 falls on a Saturday, which is dedicated to the worship of God by the church.
At the meeting, some of the political parties expressed doubts about the preparedness of the country to hold the elections earlier, raising concerns about potential logistical challenges and legal reforms to enable the changes to be implemented.
The EC boss, however, said the commission was prepared to hold the elections in November and assured the political parties that further discussions would be held on the proposals, including consultations with various stakeholders.
A Daily Guide Report