The Electoral Commission (EC) has released detailed guidelines and deadlines for prospective presidential and parliamentary candidates who plan to contest Ghana’s upcoming 2024 general elections.
According to an official statement issued on Thursday, August 1, the EC will commence receiving nominations for both presidential and parliamentary candidates from Monday, September 9, to Friday, September 13, 2024.
Candidates interested in contesting either position must download the Nomination Forms directly from the EC’sEC’s website (https://ec.gov.gh/forms/) starting Friday, August 2, 2024.
The statement stipulates that presidential candidates must be nominated using the official Nomination Forms provided by the EC. These forms must be signed by the candidate and endorsed by at least two registered voters from each District Assembly.
Furthermore, each completed Presidential Nomination Form must specify the chosen Vice Presidential candidate. The forms must be submitted in quadruplicate and delivered in person either by the Presidential Candidate or by any two of the registered voters who signed the forms.
Additionally, candidates must include four copies of a recent post-card-sized photograph of the candidate against a red background, showing the entire face and ears. This photograph will be submitted alongside the Nomination Forms to the Returning Officer.
Presidential Nomination Forms are to be delivered to the Commission’s Head Office during specified hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Candidates vying for the presidency must also make a payment of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 100,000.00) using a Banker’s draft addressed to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Female candidates and Persons with Disabilities are required to pay Seventy-Five Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 75,000).
Regarding parliamentary nominations, candidates must also use official Nomination Forms provided by the EC, adhering to similar procedures specified for presidential candidates.
The guidelines aim to streamline the nomination process and ensure adherence to electoral laws and regulations, fostering a transparent and orderly election process.
