Coronavirus: EC would have to seek parliamentary approval to postpone December polls - Maurice Ampaw

Private legal practitioner, Lawyer Maurice Ampaw has indicated that Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) is mandated by law to go to parliament to seek for the postponement of the December 7, general elections should the coronavirus outbreak last more than expected.

The lawyer explained on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that, the EC would have no option than go to parliament to seek an extension should the outbreak last till December.

Parliament he said would have to approve the request but in the case where parliament fails to do, the Supreme Court would be the last resort.

"The decision of the apex court would be final and binding”, he posited.

The EC’s request he further explained would contain measures that would help postponed the elections through a Legislative Instrument.

”The EC would have to lay an LI and have parliament debate and approve it. In the case that parliament drags its feet, the Supreme Court would be the final resort. The decision of the apex court would be final. It is the work of the EC to take this decision. They would have to defend why they would take that decision.”

The lawyer went to state that if the current president finishes his term and the election is suspended, the delay would then allow the government to hold the mantle until a new election is organised.