EC wants 12 more months to implement the ROPAA



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The Electoral Commission (EC) wants an additional 12 months to implement the Law on the Amendment of the Representation of the People (ROPAA).

The law aims to give Ghanaians living abroad the opportunity to participate in general elections, which was pbaded by Parliament 12 years ago.

But the EC has not been able to ensure its implementation. the The Commission invokes the unavailability of the necessary resources to break the law.

Not even a trial and an order of the High Court of Accra in 2017 for the Commission to start the process of implementation forced it to act.

In this case, Judge Anthony Yeboah, who presided over the Court, blamed the European Commission for violating the rights of Ghanaians living abroad by not giving them the opportunity to vote.

He therefore condemned the failure of the EC to solve the problems preventing Ghanaians living abroad from voting, and in particular asked them to ensure that arrangements were made for these people to vote in the polls. 2020 elections.

If the proceedings had begun as ordered by the court, the EC should have completed them by the end of 2018.

Joy News, however, cited a copy of a notice of motion to extend time for the implementation of court orders.

He stated: "The motion for notice for and on behalf of the defendant / plaintiff [which is the EC] for an order extending the period of 12 calendar months to implement the law 699 … "

In an affidavit in support of the motion, Jean Mensa, Chairman of the Commission, said that the management issues raised by the Commission as a result of the removal of the old chairCharlotte Osei is one of the reasons the law was not enforced.

"I repeat that the prolonged leadership issues at the Board have blocked decision-making at the executive level and have therefore affected the application of the 699 Act within one year ordered by the court.

"I further argue that the EC could not establish a committee to enforce court orders because of the prolonged leadership difficulties regarding my predecessor and his badistants."

Ms. Mensa in her affidavit also added that the EC under her directionAlthough it set up a committee to ensure the implementation of court decisions, it could not do so in a timely manner because it had to hold a referendum on the creation of six new regions.

She added that the delay in complying with the court's orders was not an attempt by the EC to disrespect the court but that it was due to "various circumstances beyond its control".

The President of the EC added, "In the circumstances, I request the extension of the 12 calendar month period ending in January 2020 to allow the Commission take the necessary measures ordered by the court in the aforementioned judgment. "

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