Today, Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Ghanaian Electoral Commission (EC) will hold special voting in the Eastern and Western regions in preparation for the general elections scheduled for December 7.
This comes after the exercise that was originally scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, was rescheduled for the two regions.
At an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Sunday, December 1, the EC announced the postponement because to concerns over their integrity raised by the discovery of a defaced ballot paper intended for destruction outside the Checkpoint Printing House.
The printing press that produced the ballots for the Eastern Region also produced those for the Western Region, despite the fact that no problems were noted with the materials used in the Western Region. The ballot papers for both regions were recalled and reprinted by the EC as a precaution.
On Wednesday, December 4, the reprinted papers were sent to the two regions, guaranteeing that they would be ready for today’s vote.
Stakeholders were reassured by EC Chairperson Jean Mensa that every effort had been made to maintain the process’s integrity and openness.
Election officials, security guards, and media professionals who will be on duty on election day are among the specified categories that can cast their votes in advance during the special voting exercise, which was held earlier on December 2 in 14 other regions.
Voting will begin at 7:00 AM and end at 5:00 PM in both the Eastern and Western areas. Participation is restricted to voters who are listed in the Special Voters Register.
Systems for biometric verification are being utilized to guarantee precision and openness. The Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its dedication to holding an election that is free, fair, and credible.
After being safely sealed, the votes cast during the special voting exercise will be taken to the regional offices of the EC, where they will be closely monitored until the general count on December 7.
The EC has urged all participants to adhere to voting guidelines and maintain peace throughout the exercise. The successful conduct of today’s rescheduled special voting is expected to bolster confidence in the upcoming elections.
Source: Citinewsroom