By Emmanuel Oti Acheampong
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and former President, John Dramani Mahama, has strongly stated his stance on the proposed date for this year’s general election.
Mr. Mahama, who is seeking a return to office after exiting the Presidency, made it known that the plot to change the date of election is an agenda by the government to undermine the credibility of the election. He said this is due to the fact that the government is sensing defeat.
“Sensing clear defeat, there is rightly indication that this government has begun skimming to undermine the credibility of the elections,” he said.
According to him, the sudden interest of the Electoral Commission in pushing the date of elections from December 7 to November 7 raises some questions about unreadiness and unpreparedness.
Speaking at the opening of a minority caucus meeting in Ho on Saturday, February 10, 2024, Mr Mahama mentioned that the unreadiness level of the Electoral Commission was made manifest during the District Level Elections last year.
“We cannot fail to notice the sudden interest the sudden interest and the push by the Electoral Commission to shift the date of the election from December 7 to November 7 at the time when it has not demonstrated its readiness to conduct even the general elections. The lack of preparedness was clearly manifest in the District Assembly Elections held in December last year,” he added.
He said the elementary lapses and logistic shortfalls that were recorded by the Electoral Commission during the District Level Elections clearly indicate that the commission is unable to undertake the simple task of managing an election.
Mr. Mahama described the moves and proposal of calendar change by the Electoral Commission as bizarre, owing to the fact that roadmaps and activities that will guide the elections have since not been put out by the commission.
The Electoral Commission (EC) justified its proposal to change the date for both Presidential and Parliamentary elections from December 7 to November 7, 2024. The election governing body stated that the proposal, initially put forth by the political parties during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, aims to allow sufficient time for the commission to effectively manage its operations, particularly in the event of a run-off.
But Mr Mahama further stated that the NDC does not find the proposal of the Electoral Commission to change the election date feasible, nor do they find it helpful. He also said the party would not support such plans and decisions.
According to him, the proposal is not being done in good standing and faith.
“We in the NDC do not find the proposal for a change in date for election in December to November as feasible nor helpful and we will not be supporting same as we do not believe that this is being proposed in good faith,” he added.
