Majority Leader Urges Electoral Commission to Maintain 5pm Poll Closing

During discussions on the 2024 budget approval for the Electoral Commission (EC), the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, emphasized the importance of preserving the 5 pm end of polls schedule during general elections. Expressing concerns over potential disenfranchisement of voters, he highlighted his apprehension regarding the proposed adjustment of the closing time from 5 pm to 3 pm.

In response to the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa’s rationale for the earlier closure, which aimed at facilitating transparent vote collation, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu raised apprehensions. Citing personal experience with delayed assembly of voting materials during the last election, he cautioned against reducing the voting time, expressing that such a change could potentially lead to voter loss of up to four crucial hours.

Joining the discussion, Kofi Adams, the Member of Parliament for Buem, attributed challenges faced during the District Level Elections to the EC’s failure to heed advice from experts and stakeholders.