The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially approved 13 candidates to contest in the highly anticipated 2024 presidential election.
This follows a comprehensive vetting process that involved candidates from various political backgrounds, including representatives of major parties as well as several independent candidates.
The EC’s announcement, made on Friday, September 20, 2024, comes after months of political campaigning and rigorous qualification checks. These checks were aimed at ensuring each candidate met the legal requirements for participation in the election.
The approved candidates include familiar faces such as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both frontrunners are expected to appeal to voters with their platforms focusing on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and improved social services.
In addition to the well-known figures, several first-time candidates have emerged. Representing smaller parties and running on independent platforms, these candidates aim to challenge the traditional political establishment with fresh perspectives and innovative governance strategies. Their participation signals a desire among some voters for alternatives to the longstanding dominance of the NPP and NDC.
Notably absent from the list of approved candidates is Bernard Mornah of the People’s National Convention (PNC). Mornah, who had previously vowed that his party would break the political duopoly, was disqualified after failing to meet the required criteria. His exclusion stands out as a significant moment, given his vocal criticism of the current political system.
The EC, in its official statement, reiterated that the selection process was conducted with utmost fairness and transparency. Candidates were required to submit extensive documentation, including financial records, citizenship verification, and completed nomination forms, all of which were scrutinized thoroughly. The Commission emphasized that its vetting process adhered strictly to legal requirements, and that no candidate was favored or unfairly treated.
“Following the successful conduct of the Filing of Nominations from the 9th of September to the 13th of September, 2024, the Commission instituted a thorough examination of the Nomination Forms submitted by the candidates to ensure conformity with requirements as set out in law,” the EC said in its press release.
The EC also urged all approved candidates to ensure that their campaigns are peaceful and in line with the country’s electoral laws. It highlighted the importance of maintaining order and respecting democratic processes as the election period progresses.
As the campaign season officially begins, political analysts are forecasting a fiercely competitive race. The nation faces significant economic challenges, and public dissatisfaction with governance is growing. This dynamic has heightened the stakes for the 2024 elections, with candidates expected to put forth compelling proposals to address pressing national issues.
Source: Newstitibits.com