Only four presidential aspirants have been given the nod by the Electoral Commission to contest the December 7 general elections.
The four are Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ivor Kobina Greenstreet of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and Jacob Osei Yeboah, an independent candidate.
This was announced by the Chair of the Commission, Charlotte Osei, on Monday, October 10 after closing the acceptance of filing fees from nominees.
Addressing journalists on the grounds by which the four qualified to contest the upcoming elections, which will be the first for her, Mrs Osei said 13 out of 17 presidential aspirants failed to meet various requirements.
Among the 13 are Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, Hassan Ayariga, Akua Donkor, Thomas Ward Brew and Akwasi Addae Odike.
While some forged the filing documents, according to the Commission’s Chair, others failed to pay the filing fees.
Others still had the subscribers of their forms not eligible. For instance, one Mary Asante, born on October 15, 1998 signed for Akua Donkor. Since she was below eligible age of voting, the Commission aside rejecting Madam Donkor’s forms, referred the matter to the police for further investigations.
United Progressive Party’s Odike could have a chance of sailing through as Mrs Osei says the EC awaits an October 14 decision of a court case brought against him by some members of his party.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana