The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is conducting special voting in the Eastern and Western regions today, Thursday, December 5, 2024, as part of preparations for the December 7 general elections. This crucial exercise, originally scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, was postponed due to concerns over the integrity of ballot materials.
The decision to reschedule followed an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on Sunday, December 1, after an incident involving a defaced ballot paper marked for destruction raised alarms. The damaged ballot was discovered outside the Checkpoint Printing House, one of the facilities responsible for producing electoral materials. While there were no reported issues with the Western Region’s ballot papers, the printing press responsible for the Eastern Region’s ballots also handled those for the Western Region. To ensure the credibility of the process, the EC took the precautionary measure of recalling and reprinting the ballot papers for both regions.
The reprinted materials were promptly delivered to the Eastern and Western regions on Wednesday, December 4, ensuring readiness for today’s voting exercise. Speaking on the issue, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa assured stakeholders that every necessary step had been taken to uphold the transparency and credibility of the process. She reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.
Special voting is a unique exercise designed to allow specific groups, including election officials, security personnel, and media practitioners who will be on duty during the general election, to cast their votes ahead of time. On December 2, this exercise was successfully conducted in 14 other regions, leaving only the Eastern and Western regions due to the earlier postponement.
Polls in both regions opened at 7:00 AM and will close at 5:00 PM. The Electoral Commission emphasized that only individuals listed in the Special Voters Register are eligible to participate. Biometric verification systems are being used to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the voting process.
Votes cast during this special voting exercise will not be counted immediately. Instead, they will be securely sealed and transported to the EC’s offices in the respective regions, where they will remain under strict security until the general counting of votes on December 7. This process is intended to maintain the integrity of the votes while ensuring that the exercise remains transparent and credible.
The EC has called on all participants to adhere strictly to voting guidelines and maintain peace throughout the exercise. The commission also urged political parties, their supporters, and the public to remain vigilant but peaceful, emphasizing the importance of fostering trust in the electoral process.
The postponement of special voting in the Eastern and Western regions initially raised concerns among stakeholders, particularly given the incident involving the defaced ballot paper. However, the swift and decisive actions taken by the EC to address the issue have been widely acknowledged. By recalling and reprinting the affected materials, the EC demonstrated its resolve to ensure that no doubts linger over the integrity of the electoral process.
Today’s exercise is expected to boost public confidence in the EC’s commitment to conducting a credible election. It also underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in all electoral activities, especially in a highly competitive election year like 2024.
The special voting exercise is just one of many steps leading up to the December 7 general elections. As Ghana’s political landscape intensifies, both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have ramped up their campaigns, aiming to secure victory at the polls. The results of this election will shape the country’s future, making every step of the process critical.
Observers note that the peaceful conduct of today’s special voting will be a litmus test for the EC’s preparedness to manage the general election. The commission’s ability to address challenges promptly and effectively will play a significant role in determining public perception of the electoral process.
As polls proceed in the Eastern and Western regions, Ghanaians are reminded of the importance of exercising their civic responsibilities while upholding peace and unity. The EC has reiterated its readiness to enforce electoral laws and address any issues that may arise, ensuring that the elections are conducted in an orderly manner.
In conclusion, the successful execution of today’s rescheduled special voting exercise marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s electoral process. It not only demonstrates the Electoral Commission’s commitment to upholding democratic principles but also sets the stage for a peaceful and credible general election on December 7. With all eyes now on the EC and its ability to deliver, the focus remains on ensuring that the will of the people is respected and upheld in this pivotal moment in Ghana’s history.
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