The Electoral Commission (EC) has temporarily suspended the printing of presidential ballots following the death of Akua Donkor, the founder and presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), who passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
This development poses significant procedural considerations for the upcoming December 7 elections, now just weeks away.
In an official statement, Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations at the EC, offered condolences to Akua Donkor’s family, saying, “The Electoral Commission has today received news of the unfortunate passing of the Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor. May she rest in peace.”
The EC cited Article 50(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which allows for a ten-day period to nominate a replacement if a presidential candidate dies after nominations close but before the election date.
This provision permits the GFP to nominate a new candidate, pending their qualification by the EC.
With ballot printing temporarily on hold, the EC noted that election timelines might shift slightly to allow for the potential selection of a new GFP candidate.
