Keta: The Chamber of Local Governance (CHALoG) has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to conduct the long-awaited district assembly and unit committee by-elections across vacant electoral areas in the country. The demand follows the EC's announcement of an indefinite postponement of the by-elections, initially scheduled for December 11.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Richard Fiadomor, President of CHALoG, expressed disappointment with the EC's decision, describing it as an affront to decentralisation. He asserted that the postponement is unacceptable, especially after a date had been announced and aspirants had commenced campaigning. Dr. Fiadomor criticized the EC's decision as reckless and irresponsible, stating that if the EC does not provide a definite date for the elections within the next week, CHALoG will seek legal action to compel the Commission to conduct the elections.
Dr. Fiadomor highlighted concerns about the EC's capacity to manage elections effectively, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He emphasized that the ultimatum serves as a reminder to the Commission of its constitutional responsibility to conduct by-elections in vacant electoral areas.
The postponement has attracted criticism from stakeholders and generated uncertainty and frustration among affected communities. Some residents who spoke to the GNA described CHALoG's move as significant in the ongoing discussions about electoral administration, noting that its outcome could have far-reaching implications for democratic governance. They reiterated the need for electoral reforms to ensure the EC has the independence and resources required to conduct free and fair elections when necessary.
In the Keta Municipality, for example, the Anyako Electoral Area is awaiting a by-election following the elevation of the Assembly Member, Mr. Wisdom Seade, to the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), leaving the seat vacant.