Mahama’s position at number 8 on the ballot paper is threatened following the death of Madam Akua Donkor, the Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), who was positioned 3rd. This unfolding of events seems to align with assertions made by Chairman Wontumi.
It can be recalled that on October 8, 2024, during a broadcast on his own media platform, Wontumi FM, Chairman Wontumi made a bold assertion: “I will move the NDC from 8th to 6th or 7th position just to show them my power.” He expressed this in a heated outburst, appearing visibly angered by Rev. Owusu Bempah’s decision to align with the opposition.
Following the death of Akua Donkor, the Electoral Commission (EC) has suspended the printing of presidential ballot papers for the 2024 general elections, which was near completion.
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the EC asked the GFP to make arrangements to nominate a new candidate in line with Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which states: “where at the close of nominations, but before the election, one of the candidates dies, a further period of ten days shall be allowed for nominations…”
Akua Donkor had nominated broadcaster Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, popularly known as Roman Fada, as her running mate ahead of the December 7 presidential polls. Her party has yet to issue a statement regarding her death and the next steps for the GFP.
If the Ghana Freedom Party does not nominate a new candidate within the stipulated time frame, they may be unable to participate in the election, potentially leading to the party’s disqualification from the presidential race.
Mahama’s number 8 position is indeed threatened, and he may be moved to position 7. This is because, if a presidential candidate dies and their position on the ballot remains vacant due to the party not nominating a replacement, the remaining candidates would shift up to fill the vacancy.
With a total of 13 presidential candidates and the late Akua Donkor in position 3, candidates in positions 4 through 13 would move up one position, meaning that John Mahama, originally in position 8, would shift to position 7.
Also, in the event of a presidential candidate’s death, the running mate cannot automatically take over as the candidate. The political party must nominate a new candidate in accordance with the relevant electoral laws and regulations.
If the Ghana Freedom Party successfully nominates a new candidate, John Mahama will retain his position. However, if they do not nominate, he will likely be moved up to position 7.
The final ballot will ensure that all remaining candidates are properly numbered and listed for the election, with no gaps.
