EC Reprints Ballots for Eastern, Western Regions; Special Voting Postponed
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced the reprinting of ballot papers for the Eastern and Western Regions following the discovery of errors on the original ballots. This decision, described as a precautionary measure to ensure the credibility of the electoral process, has necessitated the postponement of the Special Voting exercise initially scheduled for December 5, 2024.
In a statement issued on December 4, 2024, the EC explained that the affected ballots contained incorrect symbols and party logos, which could lead to voter confusion. The Commission assured the public that the issue was detected before distribution, and immediate steps were taken to rectify the situation.
Details of the Error
The error reportedly involved the swapping of symbols for two political parties in both regions. This mistake was identified during routine checks by EC officials and party agents at the printing houses. Although the Commission has not disclosed the specific parties affected, it confirmed that the oversight could have compromised the transparency of the elections.
“We remain committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. This reprinting exercise is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the process,” the statement read.
Impact on Special Voting
As a result of the reprinting, the Special Voting exercise, which enables security personnel, election officials, and media practitioners to vote ahead of the general elections, has been postponed. The EC stated that a new date would be communicated in the coming days.
This announcement has sparked concerns among stakeholders, with some questioning the Commission’s preparedness for the December 7 general elections. However, the EC has assured the public that all necessary measures are being implemented to avoid further delays.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Political parties and civil society organizations have expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some lauded the EC for its swift response, others criticized the incident as an indication of lapses in the Commission’s quality control processes.
Mr. Samuel Opoku, the spokesperson for the Coalition for Electoral Integrity, commended the EC for addressing the issue promptly. “This proactive approach is commendable. It is better to correct these errors now than to risk disputes after the elections,” he said.
On the other hand, Madam Gifty Tetteh, a parliamentary candidate in the Eastern Region, expressed disappointment. “The EC must ensure such mistakes do not recur. This incident could have disenfranchised many voters,” she noted.
Way Forward
The EC has called for calm and patience from the public, assuring them that the reprinting process will be completed within the next 48 hours. The Commission emphasized that the December 7 general elections would proceed as planned.
As the nation awaits further updates, the EC’s handling of this situation will undoubtedly be scrutinized as it seeks to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
This development serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in organizing elections and the importance of meticulous planning to uphold democracy in Ghana.
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