The 2024 presidential candidate for the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has said that the Electoral Commission (EC) cannot proceed with the December 7 elections if he is not included on the ballot paper.
His statement highlights rising concerns over the transparency and fairness of the EC’s decision-making, which have ignited frustration among those disqualified and their supporters.
The PNC flagbearer is one of eleven presidential aspirants the EC has barred from participating in the upcoming elections.
READ ALSO: EC disqualifies Bernard Mornah, 10 others from 2024 Presidential race
According to Mr Mornah, the actions of the EC to exclude him from the list of presidential candidates were unjust and unconstitutional.
“I am telling you, without any hesitation, that the Electoral Commission cannot and must not proceed with these elections if I am not on the ballot paper. We are a legitimate political party, and I am a legitimate candidate who has met the requirements set forth by the Constitution of Ghana. Excluding us from the elections would be a travesty of democracy,” he said.
He argued that the commission’s decision undermines democratic processes and disenfranchises a significant portion of the electorate, who deserve to have the PNC represented in the elections.
“Why should the Electoral Commission, which is supposed to be a neutral body, suddenly become the decider of which candidates the people should have the option of choosing? Our constitution guarantees the right of every Ghanaian to participate in free and fair elections, and by extension, it guarantees the right of voters to choose from all qualified candidates.
“This is not just about Bernard Mornah or the PNC but about protecting the sanctity of our democratic process. If today, the EC can disqualify me without proper justification, then tomorrow it could be another candidate or another party. We must not allow our democracy to be undermined in this manner.”
He noted that he and his party were exploring legal and political avenues to address the situation.
Bernard Mornah is not the only one disqualified. The others are; Desmond Kwame Abrefa, Nana Stephens Agyapong, Dr Paul Perko, Mr James Kwasi Oppong, Dr Sam Ankrah, Dr Nii Amu Darko, Samuel Apea-Danquah all independent candidates.
The rest are; Kofi Asamoah-Siaw of the Progressive People’s Party (PNP) and Janet Asana Nabla of the People’s National Party(PNP) while Dr John Kpikpi of the Progressive Alliance Ghana withdrew his nomination after filing.
Mr Mornah has already sued the Commission over the disqualification and he’s confident that he will remain victorious and be made to appear on the ballot.
The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has also sued the Commission over its disqualification from the race.
Meanwhile, the EC has justified its decision to disqualify the 11 aspirants saying it is ready for any legal action that may arise.