Deputy Chairman of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in charge of operations, Mr. Samuel Asare Akuamoah, has appealed to the media and all stakeholders to orientate the public to understand that the December 17 referendum was not aimed at amending the Constitution to pave way for the election of Metropolitan Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
He said the amendment of Article 55 (3) which is an entrenched provision, seeks to introduce multi partisanship in local government elections, and that the election of MMDCEs was a different provision under article 243(1) which is non entrenched, would be amended by Parliament through a process contained in the 1992 Constitution. Mr. Akuamoah said this at the Volta Regional launch of the Citizens’ Education and
Awareness Raising Campaign On the Upcoming District Level Elections (DLEs) and Referendum in Ho. “For the referendum to take effect, the Law requiresthat 40 per cent of registered voters must turn out and that not less than 75 “yes” votes are required to enable the referendum to take effect”, he stated.
The Chairman expressed worry over the “unimpressive” average turnout of 35 percent recorded during district level elections, and appealed to electorates to understand that participation by all in respect all elections and in particular in amending entrenched provisions in the 1992 Constitution was paramount. Mr. Akuamoah said when that is done and the requirements by the Law are met, political parties would be free to campaign, support, finance, and sponsor candidates to the District Assemblies in subsequent elections. “The campaign, therefore, seeks to mobilise at least 40 percent of the citizens to come out and vote”, he added.
Volta Regional Deputy Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Eric Kofi Dzakpasu emphasised the need for maximum participation by all registered voters. He informed the gathering that they were ready to hold an election to enable the Law to be amended. Mr. Kenneth Kponor.
Volta Regional Director of the NCCE stressed on the importance of the exercise, adding that it was a requirement by the Law.
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