16 of the forms have been picked up by political parties, whilst the seven others were picked up by independent candidates.

The EC Chair, Charlotte Osei, disclosed this at the launch of a guide for candidates and their agents for the December polls.

Mrs. Osei noted that, “for all the candidates who have picked up nomination forms, it is important that the forms are filled up properly and submitted to the EC before they can be confirmed as candidates for the 2016 elections.”

She also explained that the guide that was being launched was to help, “the various presidential and parliamentary aspirants and their agents to understand the requirements that they are supposed to meet in order to become accepted as candidates and in order for them to successfully compete in the elections.”

Hike in filing fees

The talk around the nomination forms has so far been about the hike in the filing fees set by the Commission for presidential and parliamentary hopefuls.

The EC has pegged the presidential and parliamentary filing fees at GHc50, 000 and GHc10, 000

This has culminated in a suit from the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) against the EC and government, through the Attorney-General’s office.

Some other political parties, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have also expressed reservations with the amount arguing it would limit the electioneering process to a privileged few.

The EC has since said it will meet to consider whether or not to review amounts.

It has also explained that  the amount fixed was done in accordance with the law, and as such, the monies will be deposited in the Consolidated Fund if the presidential and parliamentary candidates fail to garner 25% and 12.5% votes respectively during the general elections.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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