The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced the suspension of the printing of the Presidential ballot papers following the death of the flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor.
The only female presidential candidate in this year’s election passed away at the Ridge Hospital on Monday, October 28, 2024, while receiving treatment.
Her death prompted the EC to halt the printing of the ballot paper which was nearing completion to enable the GFP to nominate a candidate in her stead.
“The Commission has since informed the GFP to make arrangements to nominate a new Candidate and inform the Commission accordingly. In the meantime, the Commission has suspended the printing of Presidential Ballot Papers which was near completion.”
It explained that the 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, are not clear on processes to follow in the event of the death of a Presidential Candidate.
However, it noted that Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution provides that “where at the close of nominations, but before the election, one of the candidates dies, a further period of ten days shall be allowed for nominations…”
Source:opemsuo.com