Former President John Mahama has voiced his concerns about the proposed change in the date for the presidential and parliamentary elections by the Electoral Commission (EC).
He believes that introducing significant reforms just months before the 2024 general election could erode public trust in the electoral process.
Mahama’s remarks followed the EC’s proposal to shift the election date from December 7 to November 7 and introduce a new Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) for the election.
Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, explained that the new timeline aims to facilitate runoff mobilization if no clear winner emerges in the first round of elections this year. However, he emphasized that final approval lies with the parliamentary system after review by the Attorney General.
Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2024 general elections, warned that hasty implementation of the proposals could lead to chaos. He made these remarks during a meeting with Christian leaders in Koforidua as part of the “Building Ghana Tour” on January 31st.
Highlighting the emotional significance of elections, Mahama urged caution in handling such changes to prevent discord.
He expressed discontent with the timing of the proposed reforms, questioning the wisdom of introducing major changes just nine months before the general elections. Mahama stressed the importance of building public confidence in the electoral process and criticized the suddenness of the proposed alterations.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has not finalized its decision regarding the use of indelible ink in the upcoming 2024 general elections. In the last local assembly elections, the commission abandoned the practice of using indelible ink as a security measure.
Dr. Bossman Asare, responding to inquiries about the use of indelible ink in the presidential and parliamentary primaries, stated that a final decision is pending.
