ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF GHANA EXPLORES POTENTIAL ELECTION DATE SHIFT FROM DECEMBER 7 TO NOVEMBER 7

The Electoral Commission of Ghana is reportedly considering a shift in the country's election date, moving it from December 7 to November 7. The Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa, proposed this during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Monday, January 22, according to reports from graphic.gh.com.

Voter inserting ballot paper

As part of the suggestion, the Electoral Commission recommends declaring the election day a national holiday. Jean Mensa justified this recommendation by highlighting its potential to boost civic engagements and contribute to a more robust democratic culture.

This proposed change aligns with a recent suggestion from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, which advocated for adjusting the election date due to religious considerations. The church, citing Saturday, December 7, 2024, as a day dedicated to worship, petitioned the Attorney-General's office to sponsor a bill amending the election day. They proposed the 1st or 2nd Tuesday of November as an alternative, aiming for a more inclusive democratic process that respects the voting rights of all citizens.

The church emphasized the need for the bill to be sponsored by the Office of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General (Executive) due to its nature. In their statement, they said, "It is the considered view of the Church that this bill should be sponsored by the Office of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General (Executive) because of its nature. Hence, the request for this meeting with the Honourable Minister in that regard."

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Overall, there is a prevailing sentiment supporting the shift to November, suggesting that it would allow ample time for the completion of transitional arrangements, particularly in the case of a change in government from one party to another. This timeline aligns with the constitutional requirement of handing over political power by January 7, as stipulated in the 1992 Constitution.

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