The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has firmly defended its decision to disqualify several presidential hopefuls from participating in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
The Commission, headed by Chairperson Madam Jean Mensa, is confident in the fairness and transparency of its process and is fully prepared to face any legal challenges brought forward by the disqualified candidates.
On September 20, 2024, the EC announced the disqualification of 11 presidential candidates, including Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, the flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC). The disqualification was based on the candidates’ failure to meet the necessary requirements as stipulated by the EC for eligibility to contest in the elections. Among those disqualified was Kofi Siaw Asamoah, a prominent figure from the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), along with several other candidates representing smaller political parties.
The EC’s decision has sparked significant controversy, with some of the disqualified candidates, including Bernard Mornah and Kofi Siaw Asamoah, taking legal action in an attempt to reverse the decision. Both candidates are seeking court orders to compel the EC to reinstate them on the ballot, arguing that their disqualification was unjust and potentially damaging to their political careers. Their legal suits have gained attention, as they challenge the authority and decision-making process of the EC.
Despite the legal challenges, Madam Jean Mensa, speaking at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on October 1 at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, reaffirmed the Commission’s position, asserting that the entire nomination and vetting process was conducted with the utmost transparency and fairness. She expressed confidence that the EC would prevail in court, should the cases go to trial.
Addressing the issue during the IPAC meeting, Madam Mensa stated, “It was an open process. There was fairness. Committees were set up. And there are reports that have been provided based on the committee’s work. The process is transparent.”
She emphasized that the EC had no intention of undermining any candidate’s presidential ambitions and that the disqualifications were purely based on the candidates’ failure to meet the established legal criteria. The Commission, according to Madam Mensa, had conducted a thorough vetting of the nomination forms submitted by each candidate before arriving at the final decision to disqualify those who did not fulfill the requirements.
“A few have taken us to court. And we will prove to the citizenry and the people of Ghana that the process is transparent and fair. The EC has nothing to hide and it has no intention to stop anybody’s presidential ambitions,” she added.
The EC Chairperson reiterated that the disqualification process was not aimed at targeting specific individuals or political parties. Instead, it was a necessary step to ensure that all candidates adhered to the rules and regulations set forth by the Commission for contesting the presidential elections. Madam Mensa explained that the EC had set up committees specifically to review the nomination forms and ensure compliance with the requirements. The committees were tasked with evaluating the validity of the information provided by the candidates, including the signatures of supporters and other necessary documentation.
The disqualified candidates have expressed frustration with the EC’s decision, particularly regarding the perceived lack of clarity in the disqualification process. However, Madam Mensa maintained that the EC had provided ample opportunity for all candidates to correct any discrepancies in their nomination forms before the final decision was made. She assured the public that the Commission had no bias in its decision-making and that the disqualified candidates were given the same opportunities as those who successfully met the requirements.
While the legal battles initiated by Bernard Mornah, Kofi Siaw Asamoah, and others are ongoing, the EC remains steadfast in its belief that the decisions it has made are within the bounds of the law. The Commission has expressed its readiness to defend its actions in court and prove that the disqualification process was fair, transparent, and necessary to uphold the integrity of the elections.
The outcome of the legal challenges could have significant implications for the December 7 elections, as it will determine whether some of the disqualified candidates will be allowed to contest. In the meantime, the EC is continuing its preparations for the elections, with a focus on ensuring that the process remains free, fair, and transparent.
Ghana’s electoral process is closely watched both domestically and internationally, and any controversies surrounding the disqualification of presidential candidates have the potential to affect public trust in the Commission. However, the EC is determined to maintain its independence and adhere to the legal frameworks that govern the election process.
As the elections draw nearer, it remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the cases brought forward by the disqualified candidates. For now, the EC is moving forward with its plans for the December 7 elections, confident in its ability to conduct a fair and credible election that reflects the will of the Ghanaian people.
With the legal challenges pending, the political atmosphere remains charged, as candidates and their supporters eagerly await the final decisions that could alter the trajectory of the upcoming presidential race.
