The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially announced the commencement of the nomination process for the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 7th, 2024. This announcement is crucial for all prospective candidates aspiring to contest in the elections for the positions of President and Members of Parliament.
In a press release issued today, the EC outlined the procedures and requirements for the nomination process. Interested candidates are required to download the official Nomination Forms from the EC’s website starting from Friday, 2nd August 2024. The nomination period will run from Monday, 9th September to Friday, 13th September 2024.
Presidential Candidates
For those aspiring to run for the presidency, the nomination process includes several key steps:
1. Form Submission: Candidates must submit their completed Nomination Forms, duly signed by themselves and supported by at least two registered voters from each District Assembly.
2. Vice Presidential Designation: The forms must designate the candidate’s choice for Vice President.
3. Photograph Requirement: Candidates must provide four recent post-card (bust-sized) photographs against a red background, clearly showing their full face and ears.
4. Nomination Fee: A non-refundable fee of GHS 100,000 is required, payable via Banker’s draft. Female candidates and persons with disabilities are offered a reduced fee of GHS 75,000.
Parliamentary Candidates
Parliamentary aspirants must follow a similar process, including:
1. Form Submission: Completed forms, signed by the candidate and endorsed by two registered voters as Proposer and Seconder, along with eighteen other registered voters from the constituency.
2. Photograph Requirement: Submission of four recent post-card (bust-sized) photographs against a red background.
3. Nomination Fee: A fee of GHS 10,000 is required, with a reduced fee of GHS 7,500 for female candidates and persons with disabilities.
The completed forms must be submitted to the EC’s head office between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM each day. For Parliamentary candidates, the forms should be submitted to the Returning Officer of the relevant constituency.
The EC urges all potential candidates to adhere strictly to the guidelines and timelines provided. For further inquiries, candidates for the presidential election should contact the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, while those running for parliamentary seats should direct their questions to the respective Returning Officers.
This critical step sets the stage for what promises to be a significant election, shaping the future leadership of Ghana. The EC remains committed to ensuring a transparent, fair, and credible electoral process.