The Electoral Commission (EC) is contemplating a shift in the election date from December 7 to November 7.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa, reportedly proposed this adjustment during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on Monday, January 22.
In addition to the date change, the EC suggested that the election day be designated as a national holiday.
The rationale behind this proposal, as explained by the EC Chairperson, is to boost civic engagement and contribute to the development of a more robust democratic culture.
This proposal echoes a recent suggestion by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, whose followers emphasized that Saturday, December 7, 2024, is a day dedicated to the worship of God.
The Church leadership petitioned the Attorney-General’s office to support a bill amending the election day to either the 1st or 2nd Tuesday of November.
The objective is to ensure an inclusive democratic exercise without intentionally hindering anyone from exercising their voting rights.
The Church leaders expressed the belief that the bill should be sponsored by the Office of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General (Executive) due to its nature, and they requested a meeting with the Honourable Minister in this regard.
Furthermore, there is a prevailing opinion that holding the election in November would provide sufficient time for the completion of all transitional arrangements, particularly in the event of a change in government, ensuring a smooth handover of political power before January 7 in accordance with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
“It is the considered view of the Church that this bill should be sponsored by the Office of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General (Executive) because of its nature. Hence, the request for this meeting with the Honourable Minister in that regard,” the Church leadership stated.