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Electoral Commission Declares Votes for Late GFP Candidate Akua Donkor as Invalid

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially announced that any votes cast for the late Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) presidential candidate, Madam Akua Donkor, in the upcoming 2024 presidential election will be classified as rejected ballots.

Madam Akua Donkor, a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, passed away on October 28, 2024, at Ridge Hospital in Accra after a brief illness. Her death left the GFP scrambling for a replacement candidate. However, the EC disqualified her proposed successor due to significant irregularities and errors on the nominee’s forms, leaving the party without a viable candidate for the election.

Despite her passing, Madam Akua Donkor’s name and the GFP logo will still appear on the presidential ballot due to the timing of her death and the printing of the election materials. The EC, in a statement issued on November 22, emphasized that any votes cast in her favour would be invalid and excluded from the count of valid votes.

“In view of the fact that the image and Party logo of the late Madam Akua Donkor remain on the 2024 Presidential Ballot Paper, the Commission has decided that all votes cast in favour of Madam Akua Donkor will be counted as Rejected Ballots. Votes cast in her favour will NOT be added to the Valid Votes Cast,” the EC stated.

The Commission assured the public that all election officials, including temporary and permanent staff, as well as agents representing other presidential candidates, have been informed of this directive to ensure transparency during the election.

This decision highlights the procedural complexities of managing elections amidst unforeseen events, such as the death of a candidate. Madam Akua Donkor was a well-known figure in Ghana’s political landscape, and her absence on election day could influence the dynamics of voter preferences.

The GFP’s inability to replace her as a candidate leaves the party effectively out of contention in the presidential race, reducing its role to parliamentary contests. Analysts note that this development might affect the distribution of votes among other presidential candidates, particularly in constituencies where GFP traditionally enjoyed support.

The EC has reassured the public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election process. By proactively addressing the issue of rejected ballots associated with the GFP candidate, the Commission aims to avoid confusion on election day.

This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of contingency measures in electoral processes, especially in cases involving unforeseen disruptions to candidate participation. As the nation approaches the 2024 elections, the EC’s handling of this matter underscores its determination to uphold electoral integrity.

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