The Electoral Commission (EC) has temporarily halted the printing of presidential ballot papers following the passing of Akua Donkor, founder and presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), who was confirmed dead on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
This development has introduced significant procedural implications for the December 7 elections, which are now just weeks away.
In an official statement, the Deputy Chairman of Operations at the EC, Samuel Tettey, expressed condolences to Akua Donkor’s family, stating, “The Electoral Commission has today received information on the unfortunate passing of the Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor. May she rest in peace.”
The EC referenced Article 50(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which grants a ten-day period for the nomination of a replacement candidate if a presidential candidate passes away after the close of nominations but prior to the election date.
Under this provision, the GFP now has the opportunity to nominate a new candidate, provided they meet the qualifications required by the EC.
With the ballot printing process temporarily paused, the EC has indicated that timelines may shift slightly to accommodate the potential nomination of a new GFP flagbearer.
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