Jean Adukwei Mensah, Electoral Commission
Jean Adukwei Mensah, the chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, is pushing for a shift in the timing of both Presidential and Parliamentary elections, proposing a change from December to November. Adding to this proposal, she has also expressed the desire to designate election days as national holidays.
This revelation came to light during the Monday, 22nd January, 2024 Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, where the Electoral Commission presented these significant propositions. While advocating for an earlier election month, the Commission argued that designating election days as national holidays would encourage greater civic participation and foster a stronger democratic culture.
However, a notable challenge emerged during the meeting, as a majority of political parties present expressed skepticism about the feasibility of implementing such changes within the current year. Concerns were raised about the potential logistical hurdles, legal amendments, and the need for a thorough public consultation process before enacting such a transformative shift.
Despite the reservations voiced by the political parties, the Electoral Commission assured them that further discussions and considerations would take place.
Previously, the Commission had indicated its intention to eliminate the use of indelible ink in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. However, it is noteworthy that the District Assembly elections, held recently, proceeded without the use of indelible ink, even before the amendment of Regulation 33, sub-regulation 2(c) of C.I. 127.
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