Suspension of Ballot Printing: EC to reconsider decision by next week - Dr. Asare

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has announced plans to reconsider its decision to suspend the printing of ballot papers for presidential candidates in the coming week.

Addressing the press at a media briefing after touring three ballot printing facilities in Accra, the Deputy Chairman in charge of Corporate Services at the Electoral Commission, Dr. Bossman Asare, stated that while the printing of presidential ballots is currently on hold, the printing for parliamentary candidates is ongoing, barring any unforeseen circumstances in the lead-up to the December polls.

“As you are aware, the printing of parliamentary ballots is ongoing. We have put the presidential ballot papers on hold. It is likely that by next week, the Commission will revisit that particular issue,” he told the press, as quoted by myjoyonline.com.

Regarding the issue of overprinting ballot papers, Dr. Asare refuted these claims, stating that the Commission, along with party agents, has statistics that guide the printing process.

“What the EC wants you to know is that nothing is done without the knowledge and input of political parties. You can see clearly here that not only the main political parties are represented.

“We even have Madam Akua Donkor’s agent here, despite her not being a candidate anymore. Independent candidates also have their agents here, as well as representatives from other minor political parties.

“So, if you hear anyone saying that the Electoral Commission has printed more ballots than necessary, that's a complete lie because the parties are aware of the ballot statistics for each region and constituency,” Dr. Asare stated, according to myjoyonline.com.

The suspension of ballot printing was announced by the Electoral Commission following the passing of the Ghana Freedom Party’s presidential candidate, Akua Donkor.

Her demise on October 28, 2024, at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) shocked Ghanaians after she battled a respiratory-related disease, according to her former running mate, Adakabre Frimpong Manso.

The Electoral Commission directed the leadership of the Ghana Freedom Party to nominate a new candidate to replace Akua Donkor, giving them a period of ten days to comply.

This directive is in line with Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that if a candidate dies after the close of nominations but before the election, “a further period of ten days shall be allowed for nominations.”

MAG/OGB

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