The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission has told Joy News that the Commission will conclude all election-related processes, deployments, and training today, November 29, in readiness for the 2024 general election slated for December 7.
Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony held in Accra, where all 12 presidential candidates committed to peace, the EC Chairperson also added her voice to the calls for peace before, during, and after the elections.
“On the part of the Commission, we commit to carrying out transparent, robust electoral processes and elections, and as indicated during my presentation, we will announce the will of the people that is expressed at the polls. And we entreat all the presidential candidates to accept the outcomes of the results. I think we are ready. All our materials are on the field, our training is taking place. We are ready,” Jean Mensa stated.
The assurance from Jean Mensa comes at a time when the Electoral Commission (EC) has reported a shortage of presidential and parliamentary ballot papers for five constituencies in the Volta Region.
The affected constituencies are Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West. The Commission says it has moved swiftly to address the issue, planning to print additional ballots at Acts Commercial Printing House.
In an official letter sent to representatives of all presidential candidates, the EC outlined its plan to resolve the shortfall. It confirmed that additional ballot papers would be printed and distributed in time for the election. The printing process will take place in Accra at Acts Commercials to ensure no disruption to the electoral process.
To maintain transparency and ensure accountability, the EC has called on all political parties and independent presidential candidates to send two representatives each to observe the printing.
According to the Commission, this will allow for independent oversight and confirmation that the ballots are being printed correctly under the law.
The observation is set to take place on Friday morning. Samuel Tettey, the EC’s Deputy Chair of Operations, has reassured the public that the Commission is taking all necessary steps to guarantee the integrity of the upcoming election.
He emphasized the EC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.
