On November 12, 2024, Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) disqualified Philip Appiah Kubi, the recently appointed flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), citing “irregularities and illegalities” in his nomination form. The EC, led by Chair Jean Mensa, announced this decision at a press conference, explaining that the issues identified in Kubi’s documentation could not be overlooked and were in violation of electoral guidelines.
The GFP had experienced a leadership crisis following the sudden death of its founder and initial flagbearer, Akua Donkor, on October 15. This unexpected loss left the party in urgent need of a replacement ahead of the December 2024 presidential election. The EC, in response, provided GFP a 10-day period to select and submit a new candidate, which led to Philip Appiah Kubi’s nomination. However, when the EC reviewed Kubi’s documentation, it found errors and elements deemed “illegitimate” under Ghana’s electoral regulations.
Jean Mensa elaborated on the decision, noting that while the GFP had corrected some of the discrepancies flagged in Kubi’s nomination, certain issues persisted that went beyond routine clerical errors. “The EC has a duty to ensure the integrity of the electoral process,” Mensa explained, adding that the commission could not compromise on standards to uphold the credibility of the upcoming election.
The EC’s decision underscores its commitment to a fair and transparent election. According to Mensa, the commission’s responsibility is to apply election laws consistently across all parties, ensuring that each candidate fully complies with the electoral guidelines. The GFP’s attempt to rectify the errors, though acknowledged, did not meet the EC’s standards, resulting in Kubi’s disqualification from the presidential race.
This ruling has introduced another challenge for the GFP as it grapples with its first major election since Donkor’s death. Losing its replacement flagbearer at this stage complicates the party's prospects in a critical election season. For the GFP, the EC’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the strict documentation and procedural requirements governing the electoral process, which apply to all candidates regardless of party status.
The EC’s disqualification of Kubi not only reinforces the authority’s commitment to compliance but also highlights the importance of accuracy and legality in candidate submissions. The ruling may prompt other political parties to double-check their documentation to avoid similar disqualifications, especially as the December 2024 election date approaches.
This move by the EC demonstrates its proactive stance on preserving the electoral process’s integrity, even amid the unpredictable circumstances that followed Akua Donkor’s passing. As Ghana prepares for its elections, the GFP’s experience underscores the need for all parties to adhere to electoral laws and the procedural rigor that the EC mandates. The commission’s actions reinforce the standards required for a credible electoral process that Ghanaian voters can trust.
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