EC to Resume Printing of Presidential Ballot Papers

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has informed political parties that it will resume printing the presidential ballot papers after a temporary suspension due to the death of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) presidential candidate, Madam Akua Donkor. On November 5, 2024, the GFP submitted nomination papers for a new candidate, Mr. Philip Appiah Kubi, as Madam Donkor’s replacement. However, following a review, the EC found Mr. Kubi did not meet the necessary nomination requirements and has subsequently disqualified him from the race.

Ballot Paper Positions Unchanged
Since the EC has decided not to replace Madam Donkor’s spot with a new candidate, the ballot paper positions of other presidential candidates will remain unchanged. This decision aligns with Regulation 10, Sub-Regulation 5 of C.I. 127, which allows the ballot to maintain the details of a candidate who has withdrawn after the ballot papers and notices have been printed. Although this regulation applies to parliamentary candidates, the EC is using it as guidance in this situation, as neither C.I. 127 nor the 1992 Constitution addresses the death of a presidential candidate.

Future Review of C.I. 127
The EC has noted that following the 2024 elections, it will work with stakeholders to review C.I. 127 to include specific provisions for the unfortunate event of a presidential candidate’s death.

 NDC Receives Updated Voters Register Summaries
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has acknowledged receipt of the Voters Register summaries, which the EC provided earlier on Tuesday. In light of this update, the NDC has requested the return of an external hard drive containing the Voters Register, which they had initially declined to take on November 6, 2024.