The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is proposing an adjustment to the closing time for the polls in the 2024 general election, suggesting that voting should conclude at 3 pm instead of the traditional 5 pm.

This proposed change is aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.

Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, cited the experience of the 2020 election, noting that by 1 pm, approximately 70% of polling centers had few or no voters.

This was attributed to the establishment of multiple polling centers, which expedited the voting process. The intention is to continue creating numerous polling centers, each accommodating a maximum of 500 voters, with the goal of reducing voting time.

“We are convinced that closing the polls at 3 pm will enable counting and collating to take place in broad daylight and promote the needed transparency and orderliness we so desire. We trust that our Parliament will support this drive to ensure greater transparency and orderliness in our electoral process,” Mrs Mensa said.