Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare has sounded a note of caution to the Electoral Commission of Ghana on its plan to handle votes to be garnered the late Akua Donkor, Late presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party. According to the academic, any plans to declare or count Akua Donkor's votes as rejected ballot during the December 7, 2024 general elections without an amendment of the law or the CI is illegal and unconstitutional. This is after the EC announced votes for Akua Donkor won't be added to the valid votes cast.
The US-based academic said he "urges the EC to approach this matter with caution.
Issuing a fiat to declare votes cast for a deceased candidate as "rejected ballots" under Regulation 40 of C.I. 127, without amending the law, raises serious legal and constitutional concerns.
This issue transcends academic interest and strikes at the heart of Ghana's democratic and electoral framework" He also explained that if late Madam Donkor's votes are rejected, it could lower the majority threshold and "could alter the dynamics of the election, particularly in a closely contested race, and determine whether a runoff is required." Read his full post below GOGO commends the Electoral Commission (EC) for its efforts in navigating the unprecedented challenges arising from the unfortunate passing of Akua Donkor.