The Electoral Commission (EC) has revealed that it was informed by National Security about a leak involving a defaced ballot paper meant for the presidential election in the Eastern Region.
According to the EC, the ballot paper, which had been marked for destruction by the printing company, “found its way out of the printing house.”
“The commission was informed by the National Security that one single defaced ballot paper meant for the Presidential election for the Eastern Region had been taken out of the printing house,” Chairperson Jean Mensa stated during a press briefing on December 1, 2024.
The compromised ballot paper was printed by Rocheck Limited under strict supervision. The process was observed by representatives from the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), National Security, the Electoral Commission, and political party agents. Despite these measures, the incident occurred, prompting swift action by the Commission.
Postponement of Special Voting
In response to the leak, the EC has postponed the special voting scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, in the Eastern and Western Regions. The new date for special voting in these regions has been set for Thursday, December 5, 2024.
“The special voting for Eastern and Western Regions will not take place on Monday, December 2 as planned. It will now take place on Thursday, December 5,” Jean Mensa announced.
The decision to include the Western Region in the postponement stems from the fact that Rocheck Limited also printed its ballot papers.
Reprinting Efforts
To ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the EC has recalled all ballot papers for both the Eastern and Western Regions. The Commission, in collaboration with political parties, has agreed to reprint the ballots.
To expedite the process, three printing houses have been engaged to handle the reprinting. The EC has assured stakeholders that relevant updates will be shared with political parties throughout the process.
This development does not affect special voting in other regions, which will proceed as planned on Monday, December 2.
Source: InsiderGH.com
