Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced that the government has endorsed a Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) proposal to fix presidential elections in the first week of November and to tighten timelines for resolving electoral disputes. Presenting the government’s White Paper on the CRC’s recommendations, Dr. Ayine explained that under the new framework, election petitions must be filed within 14 days of the declaration of results and adjudicated by the Supreme Court within 30 days.
On the electoral calendar, he noted: “We have accepted that the presidential election be held on a day in the first week of November, as the Electoral Commission may specify by constitutional instrument. A fixed period gives certainty to the electoral calendar. It allows the commission, political parties, and observers to plan effectively, while ensuring adequate time between the election and the inauguration of the incoming president on January 7.”
On presidential election petitions, the government accepted that a petition must be filed within 14 days of the declaration of results and determined by the Supreme Court within 30 days. “In other words, the constitution will be amended to specifically provide for these timelines when it comes to electoral petitions to be filed,” Dr Ayine said.
He added: “There is going to be a constitutional obligation on the part of the Electoral Commission to disclose all relevant data to the court and to all the parties. We take this position because the timely resolution of election disputes inures well to the stability of our democratic transitions and to the general political stability of our country and society.” The proposed changes form part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s democratic governance. They will require constitutional amendment processes before taking effect.
Source: GraphicOnline
