The Electoral Commission (EC), which oversees elections, has received a strong warning from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to abandon any plans to replicate the technical difficulties that were encountered during the District Level Elections (DLEs).
In order to avoid any unfortunate events, the party advised the EC to refrain from reproducing the “mess” in the 2024 elections.
The municipal elections, held today, December 19, were marred by a number of problems, including purportedly incorrect ballot sheets and delayed voting materials. As a result, the Election Commission had to reschedule the polls, citing technological difficulties.
Parts of the Ashanti and Eastern regions will hold new elections on Thursday, December 21, 2023, according to the EC.
In a statement, the NDC’s Greater Accra Regional Secretary, Jamal Konneh, lashed out at the EC for failing to put measures in place to successfully conduct the elections.
“On a new day for the elections for constituencies who couldn’t hold their elections today, we have received a release from the EC indicating Thursday 21st December 2023 as the new date for the elections. In as much as we disagree with the EC on the new date for the elections, we think the EC statement should have given reasons for the mess.”
“Moving into 2024, the region would not entertain such mess and wishes to caution the EC to abort any agenda to repeat this mess in 2024 to prevent any mayhem on Election Day.”
The NDC is seeking answers from the EC on the reasons that led to the postponement of the district elections.
“The disrespect the Jean Mensah-led EC is showing to Ghanaians is what is annoying. At what point did she and her team realize the elections could not take place in some constituencies? Why didn’t they release an official statement to alert the general public on the “Late Arrival of Materials” and the Inability to conduct elections in the affected districts?”
Answers to these questions are needed because the information gathered indicates that most of the ballot papers are yet to be printed as of today, 19th December 2023.”
