The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have expressed reservations about the Electoral Commission (EC)’s plan to close the 2024 election at 3 pm.
EC Chairperson Jean Mensa has defended the decision, emphasizing its aim to ensure transparent and orderly collation of votes in broad daylight.
However, the NPP’s Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, urged caution and stated in an interview with Citi FM, “We receive that with some cautious optimism, to the extent that the EC can provide us with the necessary comfort that electorates would not be found wanting on the day of the election.”
“Assuming that they provide that comfort for us, it is ideal for us to be able to close the polls early so that collation and things that need to be done to prepare results are done in daylight before dark,” he added.
Mustapha Gbande, the NDC’s Deputy General Secretary, cautioned against potential manipulation.
He said, “We welcome a response that will give Ghanaians a feeling that there’s a credible, transparent general election at the end of the day.”
“Rigging that election is a great impossibility and will be resisted with all force, so it behooves on the EC to assure all political parties of a transparent election.”
Gbande emphasized that would be a big relief for the country.
He said, “It’s early days yet, we will see as the conversation unfolds what our technical directors will advise the party.”