Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a former Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, is advocating for a constitutional amendment to change Ghana’s general election date from December 7 to an earlier month, preferably October. He believes this would allow for a smoother transition of power and give the Electoral Commission (EC) sufficient time to prepare for the elections.
Some key points Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu makes include:
– Earlier Election Date: Moving the election date to October would provide a two-month interval between elections and inauguration, enabling outgoing and incoming administrations to work together towards national stability.
– EC Empowerment: The EC should be empowered to set the election date, allowing for flexibility and better planning.
– Constitutional Gaps: There are ambiguities in the constitution regarding presidential and parliamentary succession, which need to be addressed.
– Transition Planning: A permanent Presidential Transition Secretariat should be established to manage year-round transition planning.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasizes that a well-managed transition is crucial for democratic self-preservation and stability. However, it’s worth noting that previous attempts to change the election date have faced opposition, and the issue remains a topic of debate in Ghana’s political landscape.
