As the Electoral Commission (EC) concluded the filing process for the 2024 presidential elections, two candidates need more certainty due to late submissions.
Independent candidate Dr. Nii Amu Darko and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) submitted their nominations after the official deadline, which the EC announced.
Their late filings on September 13 have left their presidential bids in limbo as the Commission decides whether to accept or reject their documents.
Despite receiving the submissions, the EC has yet to make a final decision. Deputy Commissioner of the EC for Operations Samuel Tettey stated, “These nominations were submitted after 5:00 PM, and we are not expected to receive nominations after that time.” He further clarified, “We are not going to accept it; we receive it, but we are not going to accept it.”
Will the EC Make an Exception?
The EC’s strict adherence to filing deadlines means that Dr Nii Amu Darko and the PPP face a precarious situation. The Commission’s decision will determine whether their candidacies will be included in the presidential race.
Dr. Nii Amu Darko, a medical doctor and reform advocate, has been vocal about governance reforms and promoting independence from traditional political structures. His platform could present a new choice for voters seeking alternatives to established political systems.
Kofi Asamoah-Siaw of the PPP, a party with a history of participation in Ghana’s elections, faces potential exclusion that could impact the party’s role in the political landscape.
As the election approaches, the outcome of Dr. Nii Amu Darko and Kofi Asamoah-Siaw’s candidacies remains uncertain. The EC’s forthcoming decision is eagerly awaited, as it could significantly influence the 2024 presidential race.