2024 polls: EC won’t lay new CI -AE sources

African Editors (AE) sources from the Electoral Commission (EC) have confirmed that there are no plans to introduce any new Constitutional Instruments (CI) to Parliament before the 2024 general election.

The source indicated that the Commission has not discussed any new details regarding a CI to be presented to Parliament.

This development follows comments from former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu on JoyNews, warning that the elections could be jeopardized if Parliament is not recalled promptly to allow a pending CI to mature.

In an upcoming interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that the 2024 election is at risk if Parliament remains adjourned, given the mandatory 21 sitting days required for a CI to mature.

“I’ve heard that the instrument may not have been laid. If it hasn’t, we’re in a tight spot for the elections. If it has been laid and Parliament likely won’t reconvene after November 7, what are we doing?” he stated.

He stressed the need for Parliament to convene, even if only to ensure the CI matures in time for the elections.

Last week, at the start of the new parliamentary session, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin informed the media that the House is anticipating several critical CIs. He mentioned that adjustments would be made to ensure the 21 sitting days are met, including weekend and Monday sessions.

“We expect the Judiciary to present a CI, as the Chief Justice indicated plans to regulate election petitions. The EC has also signaled that they will bring a CI for the elections,” he said.