The Special Voting exercise for the 2024 general elections, involving security personnel, journalists, and Electoral Commission (EC) officials, commenced on December 2, 2024, across Ghana, with the exception of the Western and Eastern Regions, where voting is scheduled for December 5.
BlitzzAfrica.net’s monitoring team reported that voting in the Upper West Region began on schedule at 7:00 am at most polling stations. The process was marked by a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, drawing a mammoth turnout of voters.
Both New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidates expressed their satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise.
A notable highlight of the day was the flawless operation of the Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), with the region recording zero cases of malfunction. However, there was an isolated incident in the Wa Municipality where some voter could not locate their name in the electoral register which was addressed accordingly by the EC returning officer.
Despite the overall peaceful nature of the election, there were reports of vote snapping, where voters took photographs of their marked ballots. This act violates Ghana’s electoral laws and raises concerns about voter privacy and electoral integrity. Stakeholders have called for greater vigilance to curb such practices, emphasizing its potential impact on democratic principles.
Parliamentary candidates from both major parties commended the EC for the efficient management of the process. They urged voters to maintain the same level of discipline and orderliness during the general elections on December 7.
The peaceful conduct of the Special Voting in the Upper West Region sets a positive precedent for the main elections. The focus now shifts to the general elections, with stakeholders hopeful for a similar display of unity and responsibility across the nation.
For real-time updates on the 2024 elections, stay tuned to BlitzzAfrica.net.
