Special Voting Underway in Eastern and Western Regions Ahead of December 7 Elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is conducting a special voting exercise today, December 5, 2024, in the Eastern and Western regions as part of preparations for the upcoming general elections. This exercise was rescheduled from December 2, 2024, following concerns about the integrity of ballot papers.

Reasons for Rescheduling
The postponement was announced after a defaced ballot paper marked for destruction was discovered outside the Checkpoint Printing House. Though no issues were reported with the Western Region’s ballot materials, the printing press that handled the Eastern Region’s ballots also processed those for the Western Region. As a precaution, the EC recalled and reprinted ballots for both regions.

On Wednesday, December 4, the reprinted materials were delivered, ensuring readiness for today’s voting. EC Chairperson Jean Mensa assured stakeholders that all necessary measures had been taken to maintain transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

Details of the Special Voting Exercise
The exercise, which began at 7:00 AM and will close at 5:00 PM, enables election officials, security personnel, and media practitioners who will be on duty during the general election to cast their votes in advance. Only individuals listed in the Special Voters Register are eligible to participate.

Biometric verification systems are being utilized to ensure accuracy and transparency. Votes cast will be securely sealed and stored at EC offices in the respective regions under strict security until counting begins on December 7.

Confidence in the Process
The special voting exercise, held earlier in 14 other regions on December 2, has been described as a critical step in building confidence in the electoral process. The EC reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election and called on participants to adhere to voting guidelines and maintain peace.

Today’s successful exercise is expected to strengthen public trust as Ghana heads toward the December 7 general elections.

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