The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced that the filing fees for the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections will remain unchanged from those charged during the 2020 polls. This decision reaffirms the EC's commitment to consistency in electoral processes and financial requirements for candidates.
For presidential candidates, the EC has set the filing fee at GH¢100,000, while maintaining the filing fee for parliamentary candidates at GH¢10,000. This decision comes in response to criticisms received during the 2020 polls when the EC faced backlash for doubling the filing fee for presidential candidates from GH¢50,000 to GH¢100,000. The significant increase was viewed as excessive by many stakeholders.
Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission at the time, defended the fee hike, stating that it was necessary to align with the value of the currency. However, the decision was met with widespread dissatisfaction.
In a joint communiqué issued after the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Thursday, March 7, 2024, the EC confirmed the decision to maintain the filing fees for the 2024 elections at the same level as in 2020. The communiqué, signed by Michael Boadu, Acting Head of Public Affairs at the EC, acknowledged the valuable contributions of political party leaders in shaping the electoral process for 2024.
"The leaders of Political Parties made useful inputs into the 2024 Election Plan. The Commission indicated its willingness to implement a number of the suggestions. Political Parties at the meeting unanimously commended the Electoral Commission for the preparation of a comprehensive calendar to govern the 2024 Elections."
In addition to the decision on filing fees, the EC announced other key aspects of the electoral process for 2024. It confirmed the use of indelible ink during the elections for voter marking and disclosed that the Limited Voter Registration Exercise would span a period of 21 days. The exercise is scheduled to commence from Tuesday, May 7 to Monday, May 27, 2024.
"The Electoral Commission will maintain the indelible ink as the electoral stain for the marking of voters in the 2024 General Elections. The Limited Voter Registration Exercise will be for a twenty-one (21) day period commencing from Tuesday, May 7 to Monday, May 27, 2024. The exercise will be conducted at the District Offices of the Electoral Commission and in difficult-to-access Electoral Areas."
These announcements mark significant milestones in the preparations for the 2024 elections, ensuring transparency, fairness, and adherence to established electoral procedures. With the filing fees remaining unchanged and the logistical arrangements outlined, stakeholders can anticipate a smooth and orderly electoral process in the upcoming polls.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0