By: Gloria Amoh
The district-level elections was held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with a low turnout at most polling stations at the Mallam East Electoral Area of the Weija-Gbawe Municipal District.
The Electoral Commission (EC) officials had anticipated 577 people to cast their votes, but only 157 turned up.
Based on observations from the election grounds, voter turnout was lower compared to presidential and parliamentary elections, where voters typically wake up early to queue.
Several residents have therefore expressed their opinions, with many suggesting that the election day should be declared a public holiday to encourage greater public participation.
Rev. Bernard Arthur proposed that future elections should either be declared holidays or scheduled on weekends to facilitate broader participation. He argued that individuals find it challenging to take time off work to vote on regular working days, unlike the general election when election day is a declared holiday.
Another voter, Naana, highlighted that many people depend on every working hour to make ends meet. According to her, hourly or daily wage workers without paid leave benefits may take time off to vote, which may result in income loss.
On the contrary, Benedicta suggested that designating the voting day as a holiday or scheduling elections on weekends would underscore the significance of civic duty and democracy. Such a move, she said, would convey a powerful message that voting is a fundamental right, encouraging greater participation in shaping the nation’s future.
