The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ghana is facing growing anxiety among political parties and candidates as it prepares to publish the final list of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on October 10. This uncertainty stems from a recent Supreme Court judgment on September 24, which could impact candidates who emerged from party primaries and congresses conducted under a previous Court of Appeal ruling.
The Supreme Court's judgment set aside a July 16 ruling by the Court of Appeal concerning provisions of the Electoral Act related to party membership and participation in primaries. This decision has triggered concerns over its potential implications for party primaries and congresses conducted while the Court of Appeal judgment was in force. As a result, political parties are reviewing their nomination processes and membership records.
INEC has applied for a certified true copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment and has stated that it will not take a position until it has studied the ruling. National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission expects to receive the document on Monday. The commission's Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, confirmed that an opinion would be issued after examining the implications of the judgment.
The development comes ahead of INEC's World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Engagement scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, as part of preparations for the 2027 general election. With the final list of governorship and State Assembly candidates due for publication on October 10, attention is expected to focus on whether the Supreme Court ruling will affect candidates already nominated or published by the commission.
INEC has assured that it will make its position known only after receiving and considering the certified judgment. The commission's decision is crucial, as it may affect the eligibility of candidates who have already been nominated or published. Political parties and candidates are eagerly awaiting INEC's interpretation of the judgment.
The Supreme Court's judgment has significant implications for Ghana's electoral process. The court's decision to set aside the Court of Appeal's ruling has created uncertainty, and INEC's response will be closely watched. The commission's handling of the situation will be critical in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Key stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, are closely monitoring the situation. They are expecting INEC to provide clear guidance on the implications of the Supreme Court's judgment. The commission's actions will have a significant impact on the upcoming elections, and its decision is expected to be fair and impartial.
Key points
- INEC is awaiting a Supreme Court judgment that may affect the eligibility of candidates for upcoming elections.
- The judgment has triggered concerns over its potential implications for party primaries and congresses conducted under a previous Court of Appeal ruling.
- INEC will make its position known only after receiving and considering the certified judgment.
