The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a statement to clarify the ongoing confusion surrounding the printing of ballot papers ahead of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The Commission confirmed that while the printing of Notices of Poll is set to begin today, October 11, 2024, the actual printing of ballot papers has not commenced.
This announcement comes in response to concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the timeline of giving notices to political parties and the provision of necessary ballot statistics, before printing of ballot papers are done.
The NDC’s concern was heightened by the EC’s recent announcement that ballot paper printing would begin on Friday, October 11, despite unresolved issues with the Provisional Voters Register (PVR).
In a statement released on October 10, the EC emphasized that the printing of ballot papers will only occur once ballot statistics have been provided to all candidates, political parties, and printing houses involved in the electoral process.
The Commission assured stakeholders that maintaining transparency is a priority, stating, “As has always been the case, the Commission will provide ballot statistics to the Candidates/Political Parties and all Printing Houses before the printing of ballot papers starts.”
The EC reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible electoral process, urging the public to have confidence in its operations.
“Printing of ballot papers will only commence after ballot statistics have been provided to all Stakeholders. The Commission will not depart from this practice. We urge the Public and all Stakeholders to trust the Electoral Commission to deliver a transparent, credible, free and fair election in December 2024,” the statement concluded.
