The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has recently made significant changes to the Special Voting Exercise scheduled for December 2, 2024, in the Western and Eastern regions. Following a decision to recall and reprint the ballot papers due to the discovery of a defaced ballot paper among the presidential ballots intended for the Eastern Region, the voting date has been rescheduled to December 5, 2024. Mrs. Jean Mensa, the EC Chairperson, explained that the need to recall the ballots arose because the printing company responsible for the Eastern Region’s ballots, Checkpoint Limited, was also the one that printed the ballots for the Western Region, raising concerns about the integrity of all ballots printed by the same company.
The discovery of the defective ballot raised alarms when the National Security highlighted that some ballot papers meant for destruction had been defaced. Given the potential for security features to be compromised, the EC deemed it necessary to recall all ballots printed by Checkpoint Limited. Mrs. Mensa reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, indicating that this decision, while challenging, was essential to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.
To rectify the situation, the EC has appointed Buck Press to reprint the ballots for the Western Region, while ballots for the Eastern Region will be printed by a combination of Innolink Limited and Acts Commercials. Importantly, the reprinted ballot papers will feature new security features and revised serial numbers to ensure their authenticity and security. This proactive measure is intended to mitigate any potential risks regarding the ballot papers and to reinforce the integrity of the electoral process.
During an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), political parties expressed their support for the EC’s decision to recall and reprint the ballots, acknowledging it as a “heavy decision.” The leaders of the major political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recognized the implications of this decision on the upcoming elections. They called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the issue, highlighting their commitment to supporting the EC while ensuring the electoral process remains secure and credible.
The leaders also indicated that this incident places additional responsibilities on the political parties, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the EC to enhance the integrity of the electoral process. Both Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, NDC’s Director of Elections, and Mr. Evans Nimako, NPP’s Director of Elections, acknowledged the challenges posed by the situation but stressed the necessity of maintaining public trust in the electoral system. Their unified stance reflects a shared commitment to overseeing a transparent electoral process.
In conclusion, the EC’s decisive actions in response to the discovery of defective ballot papers demonstrate its dedication to safeguarding democratic integrity. While the recalibration of the Special Voting Exercise presents challenges and logistical concerns, the collaboration between the EC and political parties signifies the collective effort to uphold electoral standards and public confidence. The upcoming days will reveal the effectiveness of these measures, as stakeholders work together to ensure the upcoming 2024 elections are fair and credible amid the unforeseen challenges.
