The Electoral Commission (EC) has proposed a change in the voting hours for the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024.
The new proposed schedule suggests that the elections will start at 7:00 am and conclude at 3:00 pm, pending approval in a Constitutional Instrument (C.I).
Currently, the voting period extends until 5:00 pm, but EC Chairperson, Jean Mensah, believes that the creation of additional polling centers would expedite the voting process, justifying the reduction in voting time by two hours.
Mensah explained that with the adjusted time frame, the collation and counting of ballot papers could be completed before dusk.
During an inter-party dialogue hosted by the National Peace Council in Accra, the EC Chairperson also disclosed that the proposed changes include a special dispensation for female and disabled candidates.
As part of this, the Commission is offering a 30 percent discount on filing fees for candidates in these categories to promote inclusivity.
Jean Mensah reiterated the EC’s firm stance on using the Ghana Card as the sole means of identification in the electoral process.
