The Electoral Commission of Ghana has officially disqualified Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central Constituency, from contesting in the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections.
The disqualification follows an interlocutory injunction order issued by the High Court in Sekondi. The court ruling, dated May 31, 2024, restrains Mrs. Cudjoe and other defendants from holding or presenting her as the duly elected parliamentary candidate of the NDC for the constituency, pending the final determination of the case.
According to the letter from the Electoral Commission, the injunction was granted in a suit filed by Gyedu Frimpong and four others against Mrs. Cudjoe, the NDC, and the Electoral Commission. The High Court’s ruling also prohibits the party or its representatives from granting Mrs. Cudjoe any official recognition, privileges, or rights in connection with her candidacy.
The letter states, “The said Order has neither been stayed nor vacated, hence the Commission is bound by the same.” As a result, the Commission has taken the position to disqualify Mrs. Cudjoe from standing as a candidate in the 2024 elections for the Amenfi Central Constituency.
This development presents a significant setback for the NDC, as it will now need to address the legal implications of the court order and consider alternative measures for representation in the constituency.
The Electoral Commission’s letter was signed by Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman for Operations, on behalf of the Chairperson. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding court directives and ensuring compliance with legal processes during the election period.
The disqualification raises concerns about the impact on the NDC’s campaign efforts in Amenfi Central, as well as the broader political dynamics in the Western Region leading up to the 2024 elections. Further legal battles may also be in the pipeline as the court case proceeds toward final determination.
For now, Mrs. Cudjoe remains barred from contesting until the court issues its final judgment.
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Source: Ekuzoanews.com