Why the EC selected a logo for a Kumawu independent candidate By-election

In the Kumawu By-Election in the Ashanti Region, the Electoral Commission (EC) has given an explanation of why it selected a symbol [logo] for one of the two independent candidates.

According to the Commission, it did not allow the notice of election in which the two independent candidates shared the same name, appearance, and election-related emblem [bird].

The Commission claims that the two independent candidates with the same name, Kwaku Duah, provided the Commission’s district officer in Kumawu with pictures of themselves in Kente and a picture of a bird as their symbol.

“Based on this, a draft Notice of Poll was developed and presented to the Commission for approval, bearing a photograph of the Independent Candidates who shared the same names, dress, and emblems.

“It was neither gazetted nor approved by the Commission. Only once a Notice of Poll is gazetted does it acquire legal and binding status. The copy that’s going around on social media wasn’t actually gazetted. In a statement dated May 21, 2023, EC stated that “it was merely a draft reflecting the images and symbols given to the District Officer.

The EC added, “When this anomaly came to the notice of the Commission, the second Independent Candidate was advised to change his symbol since he was the last to submit his Nomination Form.”

The second independent candidate was allegedly asked to change his symbol, but he refused, forcing the EC to use Regulation 14(1)(b) and (c) of the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, which permits the EC to use its own discretion to choose a symbol for a candidate in such a situation.

Kumawu By-election

The Kumawu By-election being held in response to the passing of Philip Basoah, the district’s Member of Parliament (MP) for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

At the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he had been admitted with a critical illness, Mr. Basoah passed away on Monday, March 27.

He had 54 years on him.

Following Mr. Basoah’s passing, the EC requested that anyone interested in running for the seat download nomination forms from the EC’s website between April 14, 2023 and May 5, 2023. The statement was issued on Monday, April 17, 2023 and was signed by the EC’s Chairperson, Jean Mensa.

The Kumawu By-election was likewise scheduled for May 23, 2023, by the EC.

Attached below is a copy of the EC statement

NOTICE OF POLL FOR THE KUMAWU BY-ELECTION

The attention of the Electoral Commission has been drawn to a Notice of Poll circulating on social media purporting to be that of the Kumawu By-Election. The Notice of Poll has the photos of two Independent Candidates, wearing kente cloth. The said Candidates have the symbol of a bird.

For the information of the Public, both Independent Candidates presented photographs of themselves in kente and a picture of a bird as their symbol to our District Officer in Kumawu.

Based on this, a draft Notice of Poll was created and presented to the Commission for approval, bearing an image of the Independent Candidates who shared the same names, dress, and emblems.

It was neither gazetted nor approved by the Commission. Only once a Notice of Poll is gazetted does it acquire legal and binding status. The copy that’s going around on social media wasn’t actually gazetted. It was merely a draft representing the District Officer’s photos and emblems.

The second Independent Candidate was urged to replace his symbol once the Commission became aware of the anomaly because he was the last to file his Nomination Form.

He declined, which led the Commission to enact Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, Sections 14(1)(b) and (c), which read as follows:

14 (1) “When an election is contested, the Commission shall, as soon as is reasonably possible following the nomination day;

(b) assign a symbol, color, or combination of colors to a candidate who is not supported by a recognized political party; or

(c) in any other situation, assign a symbol, color, or combination of colors that the Commission deems suitable.

He has been given the hoe emblem by the Commission, and this is reflected in the Notice of Poll that has been displayed all around Kumawu.

We reassure the public that the Commission will not put up with actions that are inconsistent with its rules and that could jeopardize its well-earned reputation and integrity.

As a Commission, it is a well-known truth that we have always worked and behaved in accordance with our motto: Integrity, Fairness, and Transparency. We’ll keep doing it, with God as our support.

The Kumawu By-Election Notice of Poll, which has been approved and published, is attached.

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