The flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, has publicly urged Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) to reprint the 2024 presidential ballot papers due to concerns surrounding the appearance of the late Akua Donkor, the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) candidate, on the ballot.
Akpaloo expressed his views during a press conference held on Wednesday, November 13, highlighting the potential implications of retaining Donkor’s image on the ballot and stressing the need to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Kofi Akpaloo raised his concerns about the possible impact on election outcomes if the late candidate’s name and image remain on the ballot. He argued that, while Akua Donkor was previously certified as the GFP’s presidential candidate, her passing renders her participation in the election null and void. Akpaloo contended that allowing her image to appear on the ballot could lead to confusion among voters, disrupt the integrity of the voting process, and possibly impact the outcome of the election itself.
“Having a ballot paper with Akua Donkor’s picture is going to create a whole lot of problems in the country,” Akpaloo said during the press conference. He explained that voters who might still support the GFP could mistakenly cast their votes for Donkor, unaware of her passing. “People are going to vote for Akua Donkor, of whom we are all aware that she is not alive, so how are they going to do the counting?” he questioned, adding that such votes would likely disrupt accurate vote tabulation and risk creating complications in calculating each candidate’s percentage share.
Akpaloo further emphasized that if the GFP had nominated a new candidate following Donkor’s passing, the EC would have reprinted the ballots to reflect this change. He argued that the principle should be no different in this case; in his view, the ballots should be reprinted to exclude any candidate who has passed away before the election date, as this respects both the electoral process and voters’ expectations.
“Are we going to say that those votes that were cast for her will be taken off the ballot or are they going to be counted?” Akpaloo questioned, highlighting the challenges that could arise from such a situation. The EC, he argued, would face the difficult decision of either invalidating votes cast for Donkor or including them in the final count, which could ultimately skew the results and create a basis for contesting the outcome.
Akpaloo voiced concerns about the consequences of retaining Donkor’s image on the ballot. He argued that this could lead to post-election disputes, with losing candidates potentially challenging the legitimacy of the election results if votes cast for a deceased candidate are included in the final tally. “We don’t want a situation whereby a losing candidate will say he will not accept the results because of percentages,” he explained. To prevent such disputes and ensure a transparent and fair electoral process, Akpaloo urged the EC to take immediate action by reprinting the ballots without Donkor’s picture.
Akpaloo also appealed to the EC’s responsibility to uphold the credibility of the electoral process, noting that even a small element of confusion or inaccuracy on the ballot could have broader repercussions. He reiterated that, as the institution responsible for organizing fair and transparent elections, the EC must take every precaution to ensure voters are presented with an accurate and up-to-date ballot. Akpaloo argued that omitting Donkor’s image is a necessary step to safeguard the integrity of the election and avoid potential misunderstandings at the polls.
The EC’s decision on this matter, Akpaloo added, would serve as a demonstration of its commitment to fairness and transparency. He pointed out that any discrepancies or unresolved issues on the ballot could erode public trust in the electoral process, especially given the close scrutiny that typically accompanies national elections. By reprinting the ballots to reflect only the candidates actively participating in the election, the EC would set a positive example and show voters that the process is both accurate and impartial.
Akpaloo’s call for action underscores a broader conversation in Ghana about the importance of maintaining an updated electoral system that accounts for unexpected changes, such as the death of a candidate. His comments highlight how even minor issues, if left unaddressed, can have significant consequences on both the perception and the results of an election.
This request also brings attention to the need for adaptable policies within Ghana’s electoral framework. Ensuring that ballots reflect the current slate of candidates not only prevents confusion but also reinforces the credibility of the EC as an institution capable of effectively responding to unforeseen events. Akpaloo’s appeal to the EC serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in organizing elections and the importance of maintaining an accurate and up-to-date process that reflects the candidates standing for election.
With less than a year remaining until the 2024 elections, the EC faces mounting pressure to resolve this issue promptly and transparently. Akpaloo’s statements have resonated with various stakeholders who agree that a reprint of the ballot papers would eliminate unnecessary confusion and help prevent any doubts surrounding the legitimacy of the election outcome. Observers note that the EC has an opportunity to demonstrate its responsiveness by addressing these concerns and reaffirming its commitment to upholding a transparent electoral process.
In conclusion, Akpaloo’s call for the EC to reprint the ballot papers reflects a strong belief in the importance of electoral integrity. He insists that allowing the late Akua Donkor to remain on the ballot could inadvertently distort the results and undermine voter confidence. By acting on his request, the EC could ensure that voters are presented with a clear, accurate ballot that reflects the current landscape of Ghanaian politics, reinforcing the credibility of the electoral process and protecting the legitimacy of the 2024 presidential election results.
