Nomination forms not for jokers - EC's Upper West Regional Director

Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Azu Bosco Anyigire has cautioned politicians and the electorates that his outfit will not relent in its efforts in implementing all laws governing elections, the reason why the Commission refused to accept the nominations of some twelve Presidential nominees for the 2016 General Elections.

Bosco Anyigire said the commission takes the filling of its nomination forms seriously because signatories to it are under oath so all seriousness must be attached in completing it. He also warned in advance, people with the intention of snatching and bolting away from the polling station with ballot boxes to abandon it “because the 48-hour minimum that a suspect can be held without trial will be applied. We will come for them after the election.”

Azu Bosco Anyigire gave the caution at a workshop organized by the Electoral Commission in partnership with the European Union aimed at building the capacity of the media on media reportage for the 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary elections and highlights of the C.I. 94.

The Regional Director revealed two persons, Ali Abdul Rahman (Independent candidate, Wa Central Constituency) and Manni Maxwell (Independent Peoples Party, Jirapa Constituency) could potentially have their nominations rejected having failed to present their bankers draft since they submitted their nomination forms. The case, according to him has since been referred to the national headquarters for direction.

Retired journalist and former Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation who served as a resource person reminded the journalists of the GJA code of ethics saying they must always be the guiding principles of the journalist. Chris Alalbila advised radio stations that whereas they can announce provisional results that emanates from polling stations, they are not to declare results.

Almost eighteen media houses made up of radio stations, television stations and newspapers as well as online portals who were all present described the workshop as useful and urged the Electoral Commission of Ghana to enhance its education of the media since the electorate will be the ultimate beneficiary.