The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has suspended the printing of presidential ballot papers for the upcoming 2024 elections following the sudden death of Madam Akua Donkor, the Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).
Madam Donkor passed away on Monday, October 29, 2023, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after a brief illness.
She was 72 years old. Her death has raised procedural questions for the Commission as it navigates the way forward in the midst of the election season.
In a statement signed by Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations at the EC, the Commission acknowledged the absence of specific guidelines for such situations in the 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127.
However, the EC referenced Article 50 (4) of the Constitution, which states 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.”
The provision aims to ensure that electoral processes are carried out fairly, even under unexpected circumstances.
This has given the EC a potential path forward as it considers extending the nomination period for the GFP.
The EC further extended condolences to the family of Akua Donkor and expressed sorrow for their loss.
In light of the situation, the printing of presidential ballot papers, which was nearly complete, has been halted until a clear procedural direction is determined.
The Commission’s decision has brought new attention to the upcoming elections, highlighting the potential impact of unforeseen events on the electoral process.