By Christopher Arko
Accra, Oct. 17 GNA – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed an injunction at an Accra High Court to stop the Electoral Commission (EC) from printing parliamentary ballot papers and notices of poll for the Amenfi Central constituency.
The legal action comes after the EC disqualified their parliamentary candidate, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, following an interlocutory injunction issued by the Sekondi High Court, which prevents the EC from recognizing Cudjoe as the NDC’s candidate for the upcoming December 7 elections.
The court’s injunction is reportedly connected to an unresolved lawsuit regarding Cudjoe’s eligibility, which prevents her from participating in the parliamentary race.
Consequently, the NDC contends that the EC’s decision to proceed with printing ballot papers without addressing the issue would violate the legal process and the rights of their candidate.
In the application, the NDC is asking the court to issue an order restraining the EC from printing or distributing ballot materials for Amenfi Central until the legal matters concerning Cudjoe’s disqualification are resolved.
Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations at the EC, informed Joana Gyan Cudjoe of her disqualification in a letter dated October 10, 2024.
This followed an interlocutory injunction issued by the Sekondi High Court on May 31 that prevents the EC from recognizing her as the NDC’s candidate for the upcoming December 7 elections.
Mr. Tettey stated that the Commission was obligated to adhere to the court order, which has not been stayed or vacated.
The court order restrains Joana Gyan Cudjoe from holding herself out as the duly elected NDC parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central until the final determination of the matter.
Additionally, the NDC and the EC are prohibited from recognising or affording her any rights or privileges as the candidate.
Five applicants, Gyedu Frimpong, Akubilla Daniel, Enock Ntiamoh, Isaac Twum, and Doris Aidoo, sued Joana Cudjoe, the NDC, and the Commission.
GNA