High Court Halts Ballot Printing

The High Court in Accra has postponed the ruling on a motion filed by Bernard Mornah, the flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), challenging the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify him from running in the 2024 presidential election to October 21.

The court has instructed the EC’s counsel to advise the commission to halt the printing of ballot papers for the December 7 general election. During the court session, the lawyer representing the presidential aspirant argued that time was of the essence as election procedures were already underway.

Harold Atuguba stated, “We informed the court about the urgency of the matter as I have learned that ballot papers are currently being printed. However, we must not sacrifice administrative convenience at the expense of violating constitutional principles.”

After the adjournment, Mr. Atuguba disclosed in an interview that he believes the EC will comply with the court’s directive. He emphasized the importance of suspending the ballot printing until the ruling on October 21, noting, “It is essential for the EC to refrain from any actions that could preempt the court’s decision.

There is no need to rush; the priority is to ensure all qualified citizens have a chance to participate lawfully.” Bernard Mornah has challenged his disqualification as a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.

The former national chairman of the PNC is among the 11 aspirants whose nomination documents were rejected by the EC for various reasons, including errors, incomplete forms, and using voters from one district to represent another.

Mr. Atuguba stressed that the legal dispute extends beyond Mornah’s candidacy, focusing on fairness and adherence to the rule of law in Ghana’s electoral system.

The EC defended Mornah’s disqualification, citing alleged issues such as forgery that were not communicated to the aspirants.

However, Atuguba argued that criminal matters fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, not the EC. He contested the Commission’s stance, stating that in previous cases, candidates were allowed to rectify errors on their nomination forms, and Mornah should be granted the same opportunity.

“We are confident that Monday’s ruling will ensure Mr. Bernard Mornah’s inclusion on the presidential ballot,” Atuguba asserted.

He emphasized that their complaint is based on the violation of Ghana’s Constitution and urged the court to address these constitutional breaches. After the court hearing, Mornah criticized the EC for proceeding with the ballot printing despite the pending case, welcoming the court’s decision to intervene. He viewed the court’s action as a victory for justice in Ghana. Mornah was heartened by the support shown by the people present in court, emphasizing that the fight was not just for him but against injustice.