EC DROPS PROPOSAL TO SHIFT ELECTION DATE
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Electoral Commission has withdrawn its proposal to change the date of the December 7 elections to a date in November.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has withdrawn its proposal to change the date of the December 7 elections to a date in November. Initially, the Commission suggested this shift to allow ample time for organizing a potential run-off and to ensure results could be declared before the mandatory January 7 inauguration of a new president if no clear winner emerged from the December polls. However, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) opposed this proposal during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting.
Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chairman in Charge of Corporate Services at the EC, indicated during a Multimedia Group event on February 19, 2024, that the Commission has abandoned the idea following the NDC's objection. Additionally, the proposal to declare Election Day a national holiday to enhance civic engagement and democratic culture has also been set aside.
Dr. Asare clarified that the decision to retract the proposal stemmed from the NDC's opposition and the likelihood of facing further resistance in Parliament. He emphasized the necessity of obtaining a two-thirds majority in Parliament to effect such a change. Consequently, the Commission has resolved to proceed with the December 7 election date, as was the case in 2020.
Regarding future plans, Dr. Asare elucidated that during the IPAC meeting, it was agreed that if consensus couldn't be reached to hold the elections in November 2024, the Commission would aim for November in 2028 instead. However, specific dates within November have yet to be finalized.
Dr. Asare emphasized that the discussions did not specify November 7 as the proposed date but rather any day within the month, including the first, second, or third Monday, as well as Tuesdays, Fridays, or Thursdays. The flexibility in choosing a date within November underscores the Commission's commitment to accommodating various considerations and ensuring a smooth electoral process in the future.
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