The government has activated a process seeking to amend Articles 243(1) and 55(3) for election of MMDCEs and introduction of political party participation in the local elections were presented to Parliament to be passed.

Mr Nicholas Ofori Boateng, Central Regional Director of the Commission who gave the advice said it was imperative that citizens played key roles in every activity of the Electoral Commission (EC) to enable it to discharge its constitutional mandate effectively.

Speaking in an interview with the media in Cape Coast on Thursday, Mr. Boateng stated that the Electoral Commission (EC) has set December 17, this year for the referendum on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and December 10, 2019, for the referendum.

Explaining the requirements of the election, he said forty per cent turnout of the total registered voters was required for the Referendum and 70 per cent "Yes Votes" were constitutionally required to pave way for the election of MMDCEs. 

Mr Boateng rallied the support of all media practitioners to whip up the interest of the public to turn up for the elections, while encouraging competent and qualified persons to contest various positions.

He appealed to managers of radio stations in the districts to offer free airtime for the NCCE to sensitise listeners on the Referendum and the DLEs.

According to him, the highest turnout for the previous DLEs was 35 per cent, regretting that the attendance was far too low and urged the populace to participate in the process to ensure success.

He said citizens' active participation in the exercise would ensure the election of competent leaders who would be accountable and drive sustainable development.