The Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, has referred to the Council of State, an amendment proposal to bring forward the date for general elections to November 7.

The Council of State is expected to consider the constitutional instrument and must within 30 days take a stance on the change in election date.

At Tuesday’s sitting in Parliament, the Attorney-General and Justice minister Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong laid the instrument that brings the country closer to effecting an historic change in the elections date.

Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong

The December 7 date has been used in six general elections since 1992.

The date is, however, no longer considered convenient because it allows for little room for a January 7 handing over in case a new party is elected.

Especially in a run-off, the exiting government has only 10 days to complete the period of transition. There is a general consensus among political players that the change in the timetable is desirable.

The memorandum accompanying the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2016, states that “the bill amends Article 112 (4) of the Constitution to make provision for parliamentary elections to be held well ahead of the expiration of the tenure of Parliament to ensure an effective and smooth transition”.

The process of referring it to the Council of State is the third of four stages of amendment.

The first Gazette notification of the amendment bill was published on March 9, 2016. After it is first gazetted, a period of three months is needed before the second gazette. 

It takes 10 days after the second gazette which matured on June 9 before it is pushed to the Council of State for further consideration. 

“That is where we are now. I so refer to the council of state,” Rt. Hon Edward Doe Adjaho said.

Rt. Hon Edward Doe Adjaho

When it comes back to parliament after 30 days, the instrument will need to be backed by two-thirds majority to successfully effect an amendment of the constitution.

The NDC with a majority in parliament will need the cooperation of the Minority NPP.

It remains to be seen if there will be a gentleman’s agreement or another political fight.