Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Reymond Awusei Johnson
Published on 2024-02-11 11:53:22
Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed opposition to the proposal to change the election date in Ghana from December to November in 2024. Speaking at a Minority Caucus workshop at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, Mahama stated that the NDC finds the proposal impractical and unhelpful. He cited a perceived lack of preparedness on the part of the Electoral Commission and underscored the importance of a transparent election process. Mahama also questioned the motivation behind the proposed change.
As of February 2024, the Electoral Commission had not presented the election calendar for the year. Mahama referenced issues arising from the December 2023 District Level Elections, suggesting that these incidents revealed the Commission’s unpreparedness to execute the constitutional exercise in November.
Expressing concern over the absence of a prepared election calendar a month into the election year, Mahama urged the Electoral Commission to prioritize organizational readiness. He stressed the significance of maintaining the tradition of holding credible, fair, and transparent elections in December, as has been the practice since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
Mahama also drew attention to logistical shortcomings witnessed in the District Level Elections in December 2023 and cautioned against rushing into changes that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. He asserted that the proposal to shift the election date was part of a larger strategy employed by the government to manipulate the election outcome in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The former President suggested that the government’s push for a change in the election date was an attempt to undermine the credibility of the elections, especially in light of the growing desire among the Ghanaian citizenry for a change in government.
Mahama’s objections contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the proposed alteration of the election date, reflecting the complexities and political sensitivities involved in such constitutional considerations. The debate is likely to continue as stakeholders engage in discussions on the potential impact of this proposal on Ghana’s democratic processes.
Overall, Mahama’s opposition to the proposed change in the election date highlights the importance of transparency, fairness, and the preservation of democratic processes in Ghana. It underscores the need for thorough preparedness and organizational readiness on the part of the Electoral Commission to maintain the credibility and integrity of the electoral process. As the debate continues, it is essential for all stakeholders to consider the potential impact of this proposed change on Ghana’s democratic traditions.
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