Poll date change: MPs hold forum Monday

The Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary affairs of Ghana’s Parliament is set to hold a public forum on Monday, 11 July 2016 to enable major stakeholders and members of the general public to make presentations on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 that will pave the way for the elections to be held on November 7 every election year.

A statement released by Kate Addo, Director of Public Affairs of Parliament said: “Currently, the date set for the conduct of both presidential and parliamentary elections in the country is 7 December while swearing-in takes place on 7 January in the ensuing year. However, the one-month period for the transition of one government to the other has over the years proved insufficient for a smooth transition, particularly, in instances where there is a run-off as was the case in 2000 and 2008”.

“Thus, to ensure that parliamentary elections are held earlier than the 7th day of December, the Bill seeks to amend article 112(4) of the Constitution to provide for Parliamentary elections to be held on the first Monday of November in every election year.”

Read the full statement below

Parliament will host a Public Forum to be held by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary affairs on Monday the 11TH of July at 9:00 am prompt.

The forum is to enable major stakeholders and the general public to make presentations on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The Bill amends article 112(4) of the Constitution to make provisions for Parliamentary elections to be held well ahead of the expiration of the tenure of Parliament to ensure an effective and smooth transition.

Currently, the dates set for the conduct of both Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the country is 7th December while swearing-in takes place on the 7th day of January in the ensuring year. However, the one-month period for the transition of one government to the other has over the years proved insufficient for a smooth transition, particularly, in instances where there is a run-off election as was the case in 2000 and 2008.

Thus, to ensure that Parliamentary elections are held earlier than the 7th day of December, the Bill seeks to amend article 112(4) of the Constitution to provide for Parliamentary elections to be held on the first Monday of November in every election year.

In furtherance of this endeavor, the Parliament seeks to engage the public to solicit their views on the bill which is currently before the House. The forum will be held at Committee Rooms 1&2 of the new Parliamentary Office Complex.

Kate Addo,

Public Affairs.