With the General elections 10 months away, the Electoral Commission (EC) has stated it has not registered any new political party this year.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the EC said, “The Electoral Commission wishes to inform the general public that, contrary to reports in the media, the Commission has not registered any political parties this year.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”GI1ij5bIDailndcJCTdbUZVWqodHZuSF”]The statement further noted, people who apply for registration of their political parties have to meet certain requirements under the Political Parties Act 2000 (Act 574).
“Until these requirements have been met and a party has been issued with a final registration certificate, the party seeking registration cannot conduct its activities as a political party,” the statement added.
The EC is thus reminding uncertified clients they cannot canvas for votes until their proposed political party has been issued with a final registration certificate per the Political Parties Act 2000 (Act 574).
Per this release, Hassan Ayariga’s new political party, the All Peoples Party (APC), who are expected to be given a provisional license later this week, will not be able to take part in the upcoming general elections until they are given a final registration certificate by the EC.
Below is the full statement from the EC.
REGISTRATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES
The Electoral Commission wishes to inform the general public that, contrary to reports in the media, the Commission has not registered any political parties this year.
The Commission further wishes to clarify that persons who apply for registration of political parties have several requirements which must be met under the Political Parties Act 2000 (Act 574). Until these requirements have been met and a party has been issued with a final registration certificate, the party seeking registration cannot conduct its activities as a political party.
The Commission is accordingly advising and reminding applicants that it is against the provisions of Act 574 to canvass for votes until the party has been issued with a final registration certificate.
We trust that political actors and the general public will be guided accordingly.
Signed: C. Owusu-Parry, Ag. Director, public affairs for: the Electoral Commission
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana