The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana’s proposal to conclude the 2024 elections at 3:00 pm instead of the usual 5:00 pm has drawn reservations from both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
EC Chairperson Jean Mensa defended the decision, citing the aim to facilitate transparent and orderly collation of votes in broad daylight.
NPP’s Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, expressed cautious optimism about the proposal, urging the EC to ensure that eligible voters would not be disenfranchised.
He stated, “It is ideal for us to be able to close the polls early so that collation and things that need to be done to prepare results are done in daylight before dark.”
Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, cautioned against any attempts by the EC to manipulate the election in favour of a specific political party. He emphasized the need for the EC to assure all political parties of a transparent election, stating, “Rigging that election is a great impossibility and will be resisted with all force.”