The Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, has urged the leaders of both sides of parliament to work collectively so the debate on the constitutional amendment Bill that seeks to change the dates for Ghana’s general election.
The Bill seeks to amend Article 112 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, to change the country’s date of election from December 7th to the first Monday of November in election years.
[contextly_sidebar id=”bDeg66tGON4nbMzvHjrcPIg4KMlEKUVn”]The second reading of the bill has been on the programme of parliament, but has not been deliberated upon yet.
The debate on the bill is however expected to begin today [Thursday].
Speaking on Wednesday, the Speaker, Edward Doe Adjaho, called on the house to attach a sense of urgency to the Bill considering it effects on the elections and democracy.
He explained that, debating the Bill quickly was critical “because there are consequences flowing from whatever decision this House will take with regards to the motion. The earlier that decision is taken by the House, the better for everybody, the better for all of us [MPs] , the better for the political parties and the better for the Electoral Commission,” the Speaker stated.
Lingering doubts over bill
The Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament recommended the passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2016, but a ranking member of the committee has suggested that the November 7 date tabled for the general elections, is still shrouded in uncertainty.
The ranking member, Joseph Osei-Owusu, argued that the Electoral Commission (EC) is so far not financially resourced to conduct the polls on November 7.
He cited delays in the procurement of election materials and training of election officers as some of the many reasons why the polls on the new date might not be feasible.
‘EC should have proposed bill earlier’
The Chairman of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee of Parliament, OB Amoah, believes the legislature should not be blamed if Ghana is unable to vote in November.
According to OB Amoah, the Electoral Commission has delayed in bringing their documents to Parliament to have the legal backing.
“If you had come earlier we would have worked on it [CI] earlier,” he said
Background to bill
Currently, the date set aside in respect of the conduct of both presidential and parliamentary elections in the country is December 7, while the swearing-in of the elected President is January 7 of the following year.
However, concerns have been raised that the one-month period for the transition of one government to another, is insufficient for a smooth transition, especially in instances of a run-off as was the case in the years 2000 and 2008.
In the light of the apparent weakness in the electoral system and following the election petition in 2012, the Electoral Reform Committee was established on January 23, 2015, to propose reforms to the country’s electoral system.
The committee comprised representatives of the EC.
–
By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana