National Youth Organizer of the Convention Peoples Party Osei Kofi has said the Electoral Commission did not do due diligence in its decision to increase the filing fees for the 2020 presidential and parliamentary polls at GHC100,000 and GHC50,000 respectively.

According to him even though the Electoral Commission is not mandated to consult parties on the subject matter, it was prudent for them to have considered consulting the political parties before making such move.

“Per the common sense which makes political parties stakeholders when it comes to elections in this country, which has also informed the Electoral Commission to form an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) and to an extension caused the EC to always meet and form a consensus with the political parties, the EC should have met with the parties to build a consensus on this issue. After all, political parties sponsor individuals who contest as presidential candidates and political leaders,” he said.

He further added that the EC’s 100% increase in the filing fee of presidential candidates is setting precedent for a future where only drug lords and criminals with the financial muscles are the ones who contest elections in the country.

“The electoral Commission is setting a precedent where one would not need to be an intellectual to contest for leadership in the country, you won’t need experience, all that will matter is if you get money or not, one can just become a leader. When it happens that way people with ill intentions can sponsor candidates with the motive of reaping back their investment,” He stated

He pointed out that the party is embarking on a massive demonstration to show its displeasure with the EC’s decision.

Paa Kweku Eshun Talksafrica.com