Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, Director of Training at the Electoral Commission, revealed that 19 individuals have picked up forms to run as independent presidential candidates in the 2024 election.
While the forms are free, a fee is required upon submission, meaning some may not follow through. He highlighted that democracy is costly but ensures all qualified individuals can participate. Candidates must be at least 40 years old, a taxpayer, and have no foreign allegiance.
He explained on the same program that the GH₵0.50 cost paid to the service providers, not the EC, is for verifying voter registration details online.
He claims that none of the payments are paid to the Electoral Commission, and the amount of 50 pesewas was the same for the elections of 2016 and 2020.
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the South Dayi Member of Parliament, has voiced reservations regarding this charge.
Prior to the general election of 2024, voters will be able to confirm their registration data by using the short number *71151#, which was introduced by the EC. Nonetheless, Mr. Dafeamekpor takes issue with the price of this service.
Dr Quaicoe said that “It is for service charges, and not for the Electoral Commission. If the money were to come to the Electoral Commission, then that is our money for us to account for but is for the service charges. If you use MTN, the money goes to MTN; if you use Telecel, it goes to Telecel.”
He noted that the GH₵0.50 fee for online voter registration checks is not part of the Electoral Commission’s budget, explaining that including it would mean the funds would go directly to the EC.
