The High Court has dismissed an application filed by Bernard Mornah, flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), seeking to reverse his disqualification from the upcoming presidential election.
This ruling, delivered on Monday, October 21, 2024, effectively ends Mornah’s bid to challenge the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision, leaving him without further legal recourse. The ruling has implications for the PNC’s campaign as the December polls draw closer.
Bernard Mornah had been disqualified by the EC based on issues surrounding his nomination forms. The specifics of these issues have not been disclosed in detail, but the decision by the EC, an independent body responsible for overseeing elections in Ghana, has fueled significant debate. Mornah’s legal challenge was intended to contest the grounds on which his disqualification was based, arguing that the process was unjust and lacked transparency. His application, however, was rejected by the court, leaving the Electoral Commission’s decision standing.
This development has sparked widespread discussions within political circles, with various stakeholders weighing in on the fairness of the electoral process. Mornah’s supporters have raised concerns about whether the disqualification reflects a broader trend of limiting the participation of smaller parties in the political arena. As the flagbearer of the PNC, a party that has historically struggled to gain a foothold in presidential elections, his disqualification is seen as a significant blow to the party’s efforts to compete on equal footing with larger political entities.
The court’s ruling also underscores the significant role of the Electoral Commission in shaping the political landscape in Ghana. Tasked with ensuring the smooth conduct of elections, the EC has the authority to vet and approve candidates for public office. Its decision to disqualify a candidate is not taken lightly, as it has the potential to influence the dynamics of the election. In this case, the court’s dismissal of Mornah’s application reaffirms the EC’s authority and its role in upholding electoral regulations.
For the People’s National Convention, Mornah’s disqualification poses a considerable challenge. As a smaller political party with limited resources compared to the major parties, the PNC faces an uphill battle in gaining national recognition and support. Mornah, as the party’s presidential candidate, was a key figure in rallying supporters and presenting the PNC’s vision to the electorate. His removal from the race significantly weakens the party’s position in the upcoming elections, with many now questioning the party’s ability to make an impact in the December polls.
Mornah’s disqualification also draws attention to the broader electoral landscape in Ghana, where smaller parties often struggle to compete against the well-established political machinery of the two dominant parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The disqualification of a candidate like Mornah highlights the structural challenges faced by parties like the PNC in navigating the electoral process. With limited resources and lower visibility, smaller parties are often at a disadvantage, particularly when issues such as disqualification arise.
In response to the court’s ruling, Mornah has expressed disappointment but urged his supporters to remain calm. He reiterated his commitment to the PNC’s principles and pledged to continue advocating for the issues that matter to Ghanaians, even though he will not be able to contest in the presidential election. Mornah’s supporters, however, have voiced concerns about the transparency of the electoral process, with some suggesting that his disqualification is symptomatic of a broader issue of political exclusion for smaller parties.
The EC’s decision to disqualify Mornah has raised questions about the criteria used to vet candidates and whether those criteria are applied consistently across the board. Critics of the process argue that the disqualification of candidates, particularly from smaller parties, can undermine the principle of a free and fair election. The EC, on the other hand, maintains that it is simply following established procedures to ensure that all candidates meet the necessary requirements to run for office.
As the December elections approach, the political atmosphere in Ghana remains charged. Mornah’s disqualification, while a setback for the PNC, is unlikely to be the final controversy leading up to the elections. The ruling parties, the NPP and NDC, continue to dominate the political conversation, but the exclusion of smaller parties like the PNC raises important questions about the inclusivity of the electoral process.
For now, the PNC must regroup and decide how best to move forward in the absence of their flagbearer. While Bernard Mornah’s removal from the race is a significant blow, the party still has the opportunity to influence the political discourse and advocate for its policies, even if it is not able to field a presidential candidate. The outcome of the December elections will undoubtedly shape the future of the PNC, and how the party navigates this challenging period will be critical to its survival as a political entity in Ghana’s competitive electoral environment.
