Electoral Commission ready to print ballot papers for 2024 Elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is ready to go ahead and print ballot papers for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The commission has subsequently published the ballot statistics for the printing and explained that it will print an additional two per cent of ballot papers to take care of unforeseen circumstances.

The two percent additional ballot papers, the commission said was in line with its conventional practice every election period.

The Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations at the EC, Samuel Tettey in a press statement dated October 14, 2024 explained that the Commission is basing its ballot printing on the total number of registered voters, with the additional two per cent to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Mr Tettey explained that the methodology of using the Provisional Voters Register (PVR) as a foundation, plus a two per cent increase, has been a trusted approach since 1992. 

This method is designed to prevent any shortages on election day while minimising unnecessary ballot wastage, it said.

“The Commission is confident that the methodology relied upon utilising the total number of voters on the PVR plus a two percent increase to guide the printing of ballots is adequate and will not result in shortfalls or unnecessary wastage,” Mr Tettey stated.

Among the unforseen circumstances forming the basis for the two per cent buffer is to address potential issues such as damaged or misplaced ballots, ensuring there are no disruptions in the voting process.

Attached below is a copy of the full EC statement: