General News of Thursday, 16 October 2008

Source: GNA

Four presidential aspirants file nomination papers

Accra, Oct. 16, GNA - Four Presidential aspirants on Thursday filed nomination papers at the Electoral Commission (EC) to officially complete the electoral process to contest December 7 presidential election. They were Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP); Professor John Evans Atta Mills, flag bearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC); Mr Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, an Independent candidate and Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom of the Convention People's Party (CPP).

The People's National Convention (PNC), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Reformed Democratic Patriots (RPD) the New Vision Party (NVP) are expected to file on the last day on Friday.

All the candidates who filed on the first day presented their documents accompanied by their running mates and leading member of the party amidst fanfare.

According to the electoral regulations presidential nomination papers are to be filed at the EC Headquarters, while parliamentary nomination papers are to be submitted at EC district offices. Details required for presidential nominations include particulars of two registered voters resident in each of the 138 districts, a statutory declaration and an assets declaration.

Dr. Afari-Gyan told the GNA that deposits of candidates who obtained 25 per cent of the total valid votes in presidential election and 12 per cent of the parliamentary contest would be refunded. Those who fail to obtain the required percentage would forfeit their deposit to the state.

Each presidential candidate paid a deposit of GHC 5,000 while each parliamentary candidate paid GHC 500. Some of the parties have deposited cheques at the EC to cover their presidential and parliamentary candidates.