Flag bearer and leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has cautioned against the implementation of major electoral reforms in an electioneering year.
Mr. Mahama’s concerns is with regards to the Electoral Commission (EC’s) proposal to move elections day from December to November starting from the year 2024.
From Mr. Mahama’s point of view, the new proposals have the potential to raise doubts about the integrity of the elections, which will not augur well for the country.
The EC has served noticed that the indelible ink will no longer be used after voting. Recently, it proposed to have the elections date changed from December 7 to November 7.
But the NDC has rejected these proposals, urging the EC to postpone the date change to 2028 for a broader consultation.
Mr. Mahama, who raised these concerns at a breakfast meeting with some clergy and faith based organizations in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, believed the proposed changes could lead to chaos if not executed effectively, and questioned why the EC waited this long before proposing these major reforms.
“After every election, we sit and consider electoral reforms and we agree on what to do. Since 2020, we have only 9 months to another election and the EC has now come with major changes. No indelible ink and different reforms. When you do that it doesn’t build the confidence of the people in the electoral process.
“We have returned to IPAC after the Peace Council intervened and now they [EC] are saying they want to change the Election date and that they want to bring a new CI to change the old CI but our concern is why wait till now? You don’t spring surprises on people, what if it doesn’t work and it leads to some disturbances…so that is our position," he stated.
Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com
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Why should it lead to violence if it will help all citizens who are registered to vote to have the chance to vote? President Mahama should be advised to stop being a war monger.
You see, incompetent people are often overly cynical about progressive leadership and change. The EC has a mandate to conduct fair and credible elections. And in order to do that, the EC has to develop or improve existing systems. So the EC could have thought, researched and come up with changes that could improve efficiency in the current state of technology. And I bet you Miss Jane does not sleep on her work. I pleaded with former President Mahama to give her the benefit of the doubt. I just don't see how changing the election date to November 7 can cause any problems.
Double standard JM, Under your leadership EC submitted same proposal 6 months to elections. All your MPS Voted for it. You saw nothing wrong with the timing then even with Just 6months. Now a year to election is too late for same JM. Kai!
myopic thinkers have difficulty understanding Mahama, since 2020 what was EC doing if they want to change the date? because SDA raised concerns now the lazy EC cahir start thinking. parties have campaign time table, does EC factor in how it will affact plan?
How I wish my NDC would have chosen a different candidate to face Bawumia. Mahama talks like a child. A serious party like NDC...this is our flag bearer o. God have mercy
Because NDC just joined IPAC. EC couldnt have done that without you because of possible concerns you would have raised. https://dailyguidenetwork.com/ndc-returns-to-ipac/
What a country? Ghana is seriously suffering from leadership crisis. How can changing elections date lead to chaos? Mr Mahama? Bring policies that can change the current economic crisis, what are you going to do about unemployment situation in the country? Come out with something that will benefit Ghanaians and stop this unnecessary issues, very unnecessary because changing Election Day will not affect any political party. Ghanaians are going to vote based on issues not voting day Mr Mahama
This guy is not fit to rule this country again. No wisdom
Always thinking NEGATIVE! It is IMPOSIBLE man! You say, you have already won the 2024 elections, why don't you want it to come early? You still need HONEYMOON?
As for Mahama, honesty be told he just plain ***barred word***. Has no thinking capacity, how will a date change by EC lead to disturbances. Is the likes of Ex President Mahama that is why the developed world thinks that we are ***barred word*** kingdom with no capacity to reason and solve problems. An App and a Dolphin thinks well than Mahama. He talks without thinking.