EC officially announces cancellation of referendum

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the cancellation of the December 17 referendum.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa.

The statement said this followed the notification from the Speaker of Parliament on the withdrawal of the two bills that sought to amend articles 55 (3) and 243 (1) by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, on the authority of the President.

Meanwhile, the statement has said the District Level and Unit Committee elections will come off as scheduled.

“All eligible voters are urged to go to their respective polling stations from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m. to cast their votes”, it added.

The President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo on Sunday, December 1, 2019, announced the withdrawal of the December 17 Referendum.

In a special broadcast to the nation, the President explained that it will allow time for further consultations with key stakeholders and the public in general.

“It is with deep regrets that I have given instructions to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development who will spear this process on behalf of government with commendable vigour and dynamism to abort the process and seek the withdrawal of the Bills for the amendment of the constitution both in respect of Article 243(1) and Article 55(3),” the President stated.

The referendum sought to amend the law to enable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and unit committee members to be elected along political party lines.

Source: rainbowradioonline.com