Fiapre (B/A) Nov. 1, GNA - Candidates contesting this year's District Assembly Election, slated for December 28, can mount platforms to campaign, Mr David Kanga, Deputy Chairman, Finance and Administration of the Electoral Commission (EC), has said.

Formerly the EC was the only body responsible for the mounting of platforms for potential assembly members.

Mr Kanga, who has oversight responsibility over Brong Ahafo Region, made this known at a Regional Media Dialogue on the 2010 elections at Fiapre, near Sunyani.

The dialogue on the theme: "Improving citizen participation in the 2010 district level elections through enhanced knowledge," was jointly organised by the EC, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and KAB Consult.

Mr Kanga explained that if any organisation is interested in mounting platforms for candidates, it should make funds and resources available to the EC to do so on their behalf.

"Platform mounting has now been liberalised," he explained, adding that private organisations are not allowed to mount platforms for candidates.

Mr Kanga said the commission had undertaken a number of reforms in the electoral system, which would be subjected to discussion before and during the elections.

He disclosed that the number of electoral areas in the country had increased from 5,000 to 6,000 whilst the unit committees have been reduced from 15,000 to 6,000.

Membership of the unit committees had drastically reduced from 225,000 to 30,000.

Mr Kanga explained that since 2000, the EC and the Ministry of Local Government had worked hand in hand to bring on board the reforms.

He appealed to the media to place emphasis on developmental rather than political issues.

Mr George Gyabaah, Regional Director of the EC said the district assembly concept was introduced to bring development to the door step of Ghanaians.

He entreated the media to play their role effectively to make the election successful.