Journalists gain ‘special voter’ status in proposed changes

Betty

July 9, 2016 2:49 PM

Journalists in Ghana have now been classified as special voters by the Electoral Commission (EC).

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This is contained in proposed amendments to the Electoral Regulations (Constitutional Instrument 75) of the country that have been submitted to Parliament ahead of the 2016 general elections.

If accepted, journalists will have the right to vote days before the general public does so that they can have the ease to report on proceedings on elections day. MPs are widely expected to vote for the proposed amendments.

Previously, the special voter status was for security personnel including the police and election officers only.

However, journalists will need to be accredited by the National Media Commission to be able to enjoy this privilege. The media in Ghana have previously argued that having to join the characteristically long queues on election day made it difficult to exercise their franchise and also do their jobs as watchdogs of the election process.

Related: EC officials, party agents to swear oaths before judges

This joins a number of reforms that the EC is undertaking to ensure that this year’s elections become ‘our best ever.’ Among some of the other changers include a change in the election date, the swearing of oaths before judges by elections officials and party agents as well as an increase in the number of polling stations to reduce queues.

Betty