Source: newsthemegh.com
The notice of election that was circulating on social media and claimed to be for the Kumawu by-election was only a draft, according to the Electoral Commission (EC).
Two independent candidates wearing kente cloth are depicted in images on the poll notification going around on social media. The aforementioned candidates are represented by a bird.
On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the EC released a statement clarifying this. In it, it stated that: “For the knowledge of the public, both independent candidates supplied images of themselves in kente and a picture of a bird as their symbol to our District Officer in Kumawu.
“Based on this, a draft notice of poll, bearing the photograph of the independent candidates with similar names, attires, and symbols, was prepared and submitted to the Commission for approval.”
However, the EC pointed out that because the draft notice of poll was not gazetted, it is not valid and enforceable. “It was neither gazetted nor approved by the commission. Only once a notice of election is gazetted does it acquire legal and binding status.
The version that’s going around on social media wasn’t ever gazetted. The District Officer had been given photos and symbols, and this was just a draft of those things, the EC claimed.
It promised the public that it would not “tolerate acts that are inconsistent with its rules and that have the potential to tarnish its hard-earned reputation and integrity.”