The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared that the filing fees for the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections will remain the same as those set in the 2020 polls. Presidential candidates will pay GH¢100,000, while parliamentary candidates will pay GH¢10,000.
During the 2020 elections, the EC faced criticism for doubling the presidential filing fee from GH¢50,000 to GH¢100,000. Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy Chairman of the EC, defended the increase by stating that it reflected currency value.
In a joint statement following the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on March 7, 2024, the EC confirmed that the 2024 filing fees would mirror those of 2020. The EC also acknowledged the political parties’ valuable inputs and commitment to the 2024 Election Plan.
The EC will continue using indelible ink for voter marking during the elections, and the Limited Voter Registration Exercise will run for 21 days, starting on May 7 and concluding on May 27, 2024. The registration will take place in Electoral Commission District Offices and hard-to-reach Electoral Areas.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) noted the positive shift in the atmosphere at IPAC meetings, which they described as more inclusive and welcoming. Earlier, the NDC boycotted IPAC meetings in 2021 due to perceived bias during the 2020 general elections. However, this year, the NDC has actively participated in IPAC discussions and observed a positive change in the EC’s engagement during the meetings.
Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, highlighted the recent productive interactions and the improved atmosphere at the IPAC meetings, emphasizing “the positive shift in the dynamics since the party’s return to active participation”.
Read the full Statement below
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS