EC Suspends Printing Of Ballot Papers Over Akua Donkor’s Death

The Electoral Commission has announced the suspension of printing presidential ballot papers following the sudden death of Madam Akua Donkor, the presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).

This unexpected turn of events has raised questions about the implications for the upcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.

Background

Akua Donkor, a renowned cocoa farmer and champion of farmers’ rights, had been a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics since 2012.
Her GFP party had secured the number three spot on the presidential ballot.
With her passing, the Electoral Commission must navigate uncharted territory, as the 1992 Constitution and Public Elections Regulations, 2020, offer limited guidance on procedures for handling a deceased candidate.

Electoral Commission’s Response

Reacting to the incident, the EC in a statement said Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution provides a 10-day window for new nominations if a candidate dies before the election.

The Electoral Commission has informed the GFP to nominate a replacement candidate and notify the Commission accordingly.

In the meantime, the printing of presidential ballot papers, which was near completion, has been suspended.

BY Daniel Bampoe

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