The largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said they are ready for discussions on how voting day will favor any traditionals, Christians or Muslims in the country.
Ghana is a secular state and the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship.
More than one-half of the population is Christian, about one-fifth is Muslim, and a small segment adheres to the traditional indigenous religions.
Recently, day of voting in the country has become a subject of discussion after the Seventh-day Adventist church (SDA) has petitioned the Electoral Commission to make an amendment to the December 7, 2024 general elections.
They said, 7th December falls on Saturday, which according to the church is Sabbath and that it should be observed as a holy day dedicated to the worship of God so the date should be changed from December 7 to November 7.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on Monday, January 22, 2024 proposed that both Presidential and Parliamentary elections should be moved from December 7 to November 7, 2024.
The EC also suggested that election days should be designated as national holidays to enhance public participation in the electoral process.
Though the EC has clarified that their proposal has nothing to with the SAD petition but the Director of Elections and IT of the NDC, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has said the party does not support the November date for elections.
According to him, the NDC is calling for a comprehensive review of the electoral process through inclusive and proper dialogue. Adding that the party has already submitted their proposals to the EC.
The former Communication Director of the NDC, Omane Boamah, on Facebook post released statistics on all the election years since 1992 to support his argument on turnouts of the days elections were held.
Some Ghanaians have opposed the idea of changing the date from December 7 to November 7.
Many people are questioning the rationale behind the sudden decision by the Electoroal Commission (EC).
Below is Dr Omane Boamah’s response
On IPAC matters, for the avoidance of doubt:
1. We (NDC) do not support the November date for elections.
2. Instead of cherry-picking, we (NDC) call for a comprehensive review of the electoral process through inclusive and proper dialogue; we already submitted our proposals to the EC.
3. On voting on prayer/worship days, we (NDC) are open to discussions.
NB: Details of Election Years, Days, & Voter Turnout since 1992
Year | Day | Turnout |
1992 Tuesday 50.16 %
1996 Saturday 78.20%
2000 Thursday 61.74%
2004 Tuesday 85.12%
2008 Sunday 71.00%
2012 Friday 79.43%
2016 Wednesday 69.25%
2020 Monday 78.89%
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
