NDC Opposes Any Automatic Reordering of Ballot Following Akua Donkor’s Passing
Following the recent passing of Akua Donkor, founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly opposed any potential automatic reordering of the ballot positions for Ghana's upcoming 2024 general elections. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, conveyed the party’s stance on social media, voicing concerns over any reshuffling in the ballot line-up.
Donkor’s death on October 28 at Ridge Hospital in Accra has led to procedural challenges for the Electoral Commission (EC), which had already started printing ballot papers with the GFP included in the line-up. The EC subsequently issued a directive to halt the printing of presidential ballot papers until the situation could be addressed. The commission also requested that the Ghana Freedom Party nominate a replacement candidate for Donkor, should they wish to remain in the race.
Dr. Omane Boamah stressed that while the NDC understands the need to address the logistical consequences of Donkor's death, they expect the EC to maintain the current ballot order. According to him, any reordering of positions would risk undermining the perceived integrity and fairness of the election process. “We shall not accept automatic re-arrangement of positions on the ballot,” he stated, underscoring that the current order should be upheld out of respect for established election protocols and fairness.
The EC’s recent decision to halt the printing process reflects its intent to ensure accuracy on the ballot. However, the NDC’s position highlights a broader concern: the risk that any shifts in the ballot line-up could influence voter perception and inadvertently affect voting outcomes. In response, the party is urging the EC to consider options that preserve the status quo without disrupting the electoral process.
This issue has prompted heightened discussions within Ghana's political landscape. Parties and electoral observers alike are keeping a close watch on how the EC navigates these changes. The NDC, in particular, has called for transparency and accountability, hoping to prevent any perceptions of bias or unfair advantage that might arise from last-minute adjustments.
With the general elections fast approaching, all eyes are on the EC as it prepares to balance the logistical requirements of updating the ballot while also ensuring that any changes do not compromise the electoral process. This development serves as a reminder of the complex nature of election management, especially when unforeseen events disrupt established plans.
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