As Ghana headed to the polls on December 7, 2024, actors of misinformation and disinformation were on the rise. In the lead-up to the elections, dozens of false and misleading claims were fact-checked. Among these was a claim that Ghana will vote on December 7 for only the occupant of the number one position on the ballot paper. Then, on December 8, 2024, the second round of voting for the candidates occupying the second(2nd) to the thirteenth(13th) position on the paper will take place.
DUBAWA researched the claim and found it to be false. In this explainer, however, we look into the position of Ghana’s constitution, its voting schedule, and conditions under which Ghana could have a two-day voting schedule.
Ghana’s electoral process is guided by the 1992 Constitution, the Public Elections Regulations, and Constitutional Instruments (C.I.) 127 of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
Ghana’s general elections are typically held on a single day, as stipulated in the country’s 1992 constitution. However, exceptional circumstances may necessitate the extension of voting to a second day.
Conditions for Two-Day Voting
Two primary conditions may lead to the extension of voting to a second day:
- Late Arrival of Voting Materials: If voting materials, such as ballot papers and boxes, fail to arrive at polling stations on time, voting may be extended to a second day. This is to ensure that all eligible voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots.
- Natural Disasters: Inclement weather, such as heavy rainfall or flooding, may also necessitate the extension of voting to a second day. In such cases, the Electoral Commission of Ghana may deem it necessary to postpone voting in affected areas until the following day.
What does the clause mean?
In essence, this clause empowers the Electoral Commission of Ghana to take necessary measures to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. This provision is designed to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all eligible voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots.
Conclusion
While Ghana’s general elections are typically held on a single day, exceptional circumstances may arise that require the extension of voting to a second day. The Electoral Commission of Ghana is empowered to make such decisions, and it is essential that all stakeholders, including voters, political parties, and election officials, are aware of the conditions that may lead to two-day voting. This provision aims to ensure the integrity and fairness of the electoral process, and it is guided by the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity.
This report was produced under the DUBAWA “Combating Election Misinformation and Disinformation in Ghana’s 2024 Elections” Project aimed at promoting a culture of truth and verification ahead of the 2024 General Elections with support from the Federal Republic of Germany in Ghana.
