Electoral College For Council Of State Elections Should Be Expanded

Dr. Barnabas Kwame Yeboah is calling for the expansion of the electoral college for the Council of State elections in the country.

The Council of State was established by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. The electoral college for the Council of State elections shall consist of two representatives from each Assembly in the Region, elected by members of the Assembly from among themselves.

Dr. Barnabas Kwame Yeboah contested in the just-ended Council of State elections in the Oti Region and lost.

Dr. Yeboah in an interview with First News called for an amendment of the law on the electoral college for Council of State elections.

According to Dr. Yeboah if the amendment is done it would reduce vote buying and give a true reflection on the person the regions want him or her to represent them on the Council of State.

“The issue is not only about vote buying but also the handful of people going to decide for the whole region is problematic. At least all Assembly Members including government appointees should be included to the electoral college to vote. In that way we can guarantee a fair representation.”

Some Assembly Members in the Bono Region are equally calling for the expansion of the electoral college for the Council of State elections.

Emmanuel Nketiah, Assembly Member for the Penkwasi East Electoral in the Sunyani Municipality not that the expansion of the electoral college would reduce the buying of votes.

He further added that the current situation gives opportunity to the highest bidder as the person who is able to pay more would win the elections although he or she may not be the best person to represent the region.

Source: firstnewsroom.com