We’ll release filing fees after notice of poll - EC

The Electoral Commission has assured it will refund the filing fees of all Presidential hopefuls who were rejected and subsequently disqualified ahead of the general polls slated for December, 7.

But the commission insists such monies will be released after the publication of the notice of poll.

This comes after the Electoral Commission disqualified 12 presidential candidates and one other whose nomination is on hold pending a determination of a court case. The failed candidates list includes the former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings who was also disqualified for failing to meet requirements the EC stipulated in its regulations ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline date to file their nomination documents.

The presidential candidates who are qualified to participate in the elections include Mahama, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ivor Kobina Greenstreet of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), and independent candidate Jacob Osei Yeboah.

There were legitimate concerns that the expense of huge sums paid as filing fees must be released back to the aspirants who were expelled from the Presidential race.

But Communications Director of the Electoral Commission, Eric Dzakpasu in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM said the law prescribes that refunds of deposits must be made after the notice of poll.

He adds: “To the extent that they are not contestants and the processes are going on, i think their funds must be given to them as an when the commission decides that it’s ready and then we pay to them.”