Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Dramani Mahama, has called on participants in today’s special voting exercise to vote for him and NDC parliamentary candidates.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, Mr. Mahama emphasized that supporting the NDC represents a commitment to building a “safer, stronger, and more united Ghana.” He encouraged security personnel, journalists, and Electoral Commission staff participating in the exercise to back his vision for the nation.
He stated, “A vote for John Mahama and the NDC is a vote for a safer, stronger, and more united Ghana.”
The special voting exercise, which began at 7 AM on December 2, 2024, is being held across 14 of Ghana’s 16 regions. The Eastern and Western Regions have been excluded due to logistical challenges arising from a leaked and defaced ballot paper, which led to a recall and reprinting of the ballots.
Approximately 131,478 voters—0.007% of the total registered electorate of 18,741,159—are eligible to participate in the special voting exercise. This early voting opportunity is specifically designed for individuals engaged in election-related duties on the main polling day.
Participants include personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Immigration Service, National Fire Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), National Media Commission, and other critical institutions. Journalists and Electoral Commission workers are also among the eligible voters.
Explaining the exclusion of the Eastern and Western Regions, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa disclosed that the decision followed the discovery of a defaced ballot paper meant for the Eastern Region. The compromised ballot was intended for destruction but was leaked from the printing house.
The EC swiftly recalled all affected ballots from both regions for reprinting and announced that voting in these regions will now take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
To ensure electoral integrity, enhanced security measures are being applied to the reprinted ballots, and the EC has kept political parties informed throughout the process.
Special voting ensures that essential personnel can exercise their voting rights without disrupting their professional responsibilities during the general elections. However, the results of the special voting will remain sealed and will only be counted alongside general election votes on December 7, 2024.
Mr. Mahama’s appeal to special voters reflects the high stakes of the 2024 elections, with all political players vying for support in this critical electoral phase.
