The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is conducting special voting today, December 5, 2024, for eligible voters in the Eastern and Western regions. This exercise serves as preparation for the upcoming general elections slated for December 7. While the special voting for these two regions was initially set for December 2, it had to be postponed due to serious concerns raised over the integrity of the ballot materials.
During the emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on December 1, the Commission decided to delay the special voting after discovering a defaced ballot paper outside the Checkpoint Printing House. Although the election materials for the Western Region showed no issues, the EC opted to reprint all ballots as the same printing press was responsible for the ballots used across both regions. This precaution was put in place to maintain public confidence and the credibility of the voting process.
The rescheduled special voting commenced at 7:00 AM and will conclude at 5:00 PM today. Voters participating must be listed on the Special Voters Register. It is anticipated to include key personnel such as election officials, security agents, and media representatives who are on duty during the primary election day.
According to the EC, around 131,478 voters, which is about 0.007 percent of Ghana’s 18,741,159 registered voters, were eligible to cast their votes during this special exercise. The votes cast today will not be counted right away; instead, they are to be securely stored until the final tallying on December 7 at designated Constituency Collation Centres. At these locations, the relevant results will be added to those of the general election.
Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the EC, emphasized the steps taken to prevent any issues with the voting process today. She assured stakeholders of the highest standards of transparency and integrity, noting the importance of adhering to established voting guidelines.
This special voting segment is part of Ghana’s broader electoral tradition. Earlier this year, similar special voting exercises took place across 14 other regions on December 2 without significant incidents, paving the way for today. With this year’s election being particularly pivotal, the EC’s commitment to fostering trust and clarity surrounding the election process is more important than ever.
Yet, reports from the ground indicate not all is smooth sailing. Just hours after the voting kicked off, tensions flared at Akyem Akroso, where Eric Ahinakwa, the Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency chairman of distributing money to voters near the polling center. An altercation ensued, caught on video, prompting police intervention after discussions escalated. This incident highlights the charged atmosphere surrounding the elections and the competing narratives at play.
The situation reflects broader discontent as Ghana gears up for this election. Citizens seem increasingly frustrated, with allegations of electoral misconduct and calls for transparency becoming vocal topics among those watching closely. The political environment remains highly contested, with both major parties making efforts to boost their visibility and convince voters as the general election approaches.
Hoping to eliminate doubts about transparency, the EC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the credibility of the electoral process, guaranteeing all materials are handled with care. With high stakes, this special voting exercise aims to not only accommodate necessary roles during the main voting day but also to safeguard democratic principles and encourage voter confidence as Ghana approaches one of its most significant elections to date.
The EC has also emphasized adherence to security protocols throughout this process. All ballot materials will remain secured until the official counts begin on the scheduled election day. The EC, above all, has called for peace and order as the country navigates these turbulent political waters.
Meanwhile, discussions on social media and community forums abound as advocation for peaceful practices and fair voting procedures intensifies. Citizens are urged to stay informed about their voting rights and participate actively without fear of intimidation.
According to experts, the coming days will be pivotal for both the EC and the political parties involved, particularly focusing on ensuring fairness and maintaining public trust. Observers will be watching closely not only for today’s voting outcomes but also the overall tone and atmosphere as Ghana heads toward its next government.
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