The Electoral Commission
of Ghana has suspended the printing of presidential ballot papers following the death of Madam Akua Donkor, the Ghana Freedom Party’s presidential candidate.
This decision comes after the Commission received news of her passing on October 29, 2024, prompting significant implications for the upcoming elections.
While the 1992 Constitution lacks clear guidelines for such situations, Article 50(4) allows for a ten-day period for new nominations if a candidate dies before the election.
“The 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, are not clear on processes to follow in the event of the death of a Presidential Candidate, Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution provides as follows; “where at the close of nominations, but before the election, one of the candidates dies, a further period of the ten days shall be allowed for nominations”, the Commission in a statement signed by Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey explained.
The Commission has instructed the GFP to nominate a replacement candidate and notify them accordingly.
Condolences have poured in from various political factions as the nation mourns her loss.
Akua Donkor, the founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) passed away at Ridge Hospital in Accra. The details surrounding her death remain undisclosed.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
