Elections 2024: EC Clears 13, Disqualifies 11 Presidential Aspirants
The race for the 2024 Presidential Election in Ghana has taken an intriguing turn. Following the conclusion of the nomination filing process, the Electoral Commission (EC) has provided an update on the qualified candidates. Out of 24 aspirants, only 13 have successfully met the criteria to contest in the upcoming election, while 11 were disqualified. Here’s a closer look at the details.
Nomination Process and Requirements
The nomination process ran from September 9th to September 13th, 2024. During this period, presidential aspirants were required to submit their nomination forms, ensuring they adhered to the legal and procedural criteria set by the Electoral commission of Ghana. This involved scrutiny of the forms to ensure they complied with the necessary requirements such as valid endorsements, the payment of fees, and adherence to eligibility conditions outlined in the Ghanaian Constitution.
After careful examination, the electoral commission disqualified 11 aspirants for failing to meet these stringent requirements. The Electoral commission emphasized that all candidates were given ample time and guidance to ensure compliance, but only those who fully adhered to the stipulated guidelines were cleared.
The Cleared Candidates
In an official press release on September 20th, 2024, the Electoral commission unveiled the names of the 13 candidates who have successfully passed the nomination process and are set to contest in the presidential election slated for December 7th, 2024.
The cleared candidates and their respective parties/entities are:
1. Mahamudu Bawumia – New Patriotic Party (NPP)
2. John Dramani Mahama – National Democratic Congress (NDC)
3. Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen – Independent Candidate
4. Christian Kwabena Andrews – Ghana Union Movement
5. Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr – Great Consolidated Popular Party
6. George Twum-Barima-Adu – Independent Candidate
7. Nana Kwame Bediako – Independent Candidate
8. Akua Donkor – Ghana Freedom Party
9. Hassan Abdulai Ayariga – All People’s Congress
10. Kofi Akpaloo – Liberal Party of Ghana
11. Mohammed Frimpong – National Democratic Party
12. Nana Akosua Frimpomaa – Convention People’s Party
13. Kofi Koranteng – Independent Candidate
Disqualification of 11 Aspirants
The EC’s decision to disqualify 11 presidential aspirants has sparked conversations across the political landscape. According to the commission, these disqualifications were due to issues ranging from incomplete forms to insufficient signatures or endorsements, as well as the failure to meet other legal requirements. While the exact details of each disqualification were not fully disclosed, the Electoral commission assured the public that due process was followed.
Key Contenders: A Closer Look
Among the 13 cleared candidates, two key figures stand out in the political race:
– Mahamudu Bawumia, representing the NPP, is the sitting Vice President of Ghana, aiming to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
– John Dramani Mahama, a former President, represents the NDC and is seeking another term in office, having led the country from 2012 to 2016.
These two political heavyweights are set to dominate the electoral field, but independent candidates like Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen—who recently parted ways with the NPP— as well as Nana Kwame Bediako, the face behind the New Force also promise to make the race highly competitive.
With the nominations completed and the qualified candidates announced, Ghana’s political scene is heating up. The cleared candidates will now intensify their campaigns, presenting their visions for the country’s future to the electorate. Debates on policies, governance, and economic strategies will become more pronounced as voters decide who is best suited to lead the nation.
The Electoral Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process, urging all political parties and candidates to adhere to the rules and promote peaceful campaigns.
Conclusion
The disqualification of 11 aspirants and the clearance of 13 has narrowed the field for what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential election. With familiar faces and new contenders on the ballot, Ghanaians are gearing up for another democratic exercise that will shape the future of the country.
Stay tuned for more updates as the election date approaches.
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