The National Election Security Task Force has called on all personnel of the security agencies to participate in the special voting exercise scheduled for today, December 2, 2024. The exercise is being conducted across the country, except in the Eastern and Western Regions, where it has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 5, 2024.
In a statement, the Task Force emphasized the importance of security personnel turning out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. Those unable to vote today in the affected regions will have the opportunity to do so on December 5, as confirmed by the Electoral Commission (EC).
This year’s special voting arrangement accommodates approximately 131,478 eligible voters, including members of the security services, Electoral Commission staff, and media practitioners. These individuals are engaged in election-related duties on the general polling day and are being given the chance to vote early without compromising their professional responsibilities.
The EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, explained during a press briefing that the exclusion of the Eastern and Western Regions from today’s voting was necessitated by the leakage of a defaced ballot paper intended for destruction. The affected ballots, printed by Rocheck Limited, were recalled and are being reprinted to ensure electoral integrity.
Ballot papers for both regions will feature enhanced security measures and are being reprinted by three separate companies under strict supervision. Political parties have been informed about the incident, reinforcing the EC’s commitment to transparency in the electoral process.
The special voting exercise covers personnel from various state institutions, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Immigration Service, Fire Service, National Intelligence Bureau, and other agencies. Journalists and staff from the Information Services Department and National Media Commission are also among the eligible voters.
Votes cast during the special voting will not be counted until after the general election on December 7, when they will be added to the final results. This initiative ensures that all those on election duty can fulfill their professional and civic responsibilities seamlessly.
