The opposition National Democratic Congress Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn says the Electoral Commission’s (EC) GH¢100,000 and GH¢10,000 filing fees for Presidential and parliamentary candidates respectively do not encourage multi party democracy.
The statement by Godwin Ako Gunn comes after the Electoral Commission announced filing fees for both presidential and parliamentary candidates ahead of the December 7 elections.
Addressing the press in Accra , EC boss, Jean Mensah said presidential candidates will pay GH¢100,000 as filing fees while parliamentary candidates pay GH¢10,000.
After the EC’s announcement, the opposition as well as smaller parties has criticized the decision of the commission to peg the filing fees for the 2020 general elections at GH¢100,000 and GH¢10,000 as filing fees for Presidential and parliamentary candidates respectively.
The opposition National Democratic Congress Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, who said this in an interview with host of Atinka FM’s AM Drive Ekourba Gyasi, explained that although the NDC is capable of filing for their candidate, the fees will deter smaller parties from contesting.
According to Ako Gunn, there should be a reason for the payment of GH¢100,000 and GH¢10,000 as filing fees for Presidential and parliamentary candidates.
“ For us at NDC, it’s not about being able to pay the filing fees because people are willing to support the party. But this is a situation where we are all encouraging multi-party democracy. How can these small parties come up with this huge amount? he added.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
