Candidate challenges Electoral Commission

...for asking him to step down

An aspiring Presiding Member on Monday asked the authorities to clarify whether it is proper for the Electoral Commission (EC) to ask any candidate contesting for a position in the Assembly to step down.

Mr Asamoah Kusi, who had the lowest number of votes among three candidates during the election of a Presiding Member for the Mfantseman District Assembly was asked by the EC to step down after the first round which produced no winner.

He trailed with 12 votes as against 18 by Mr Kobina Essiah-Donkor and 36 by Mr Frank Neequaye.

Mr Kusi, who is the Assemblyman for Eguabado-Kurankyekrom electoral area, reluctantly stepped down to allow the other two contestants to go for a second round as directed by the district electoral officer.

Although Mr Kusi stepped down after persuasions from other members of the Assembly, he maintained that it was unlawful for the EC to compel him to do so.

"There are no clauses in either 1992 constitution or the Standing Orders of the district assemblies which barred candidates with less votes from continuing the race," he said and called for "legal" clarification on the matter.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr John Mensah, the electoral officer admitted that the constitution and the standing order were silent on the issue but explained that his demand on Mr Kusi to step down was in accordance with the EC's regulations and guidelines.

"We follow these regulations and guidelines to ensure effective discharge of our duties," he added.

Mr Mensah said it would be difficult for a candidate to get the required two-thirds of the total votes if the contestants are more than two.

Mr Neequaye won the race after the second balloting.