Former United Nations Governance Advisor, Professor Baffuor Agyeman Duah, has suggested that the Electoral Commission consider moving the December 7 election date to a weekday. This recommendation comes in response to a statement from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, dated July 20, 2024, which indicated that its members would be unable to vote because December 7 falls on a Saturday, their Sabbath day.
Speaking to GHOne News, Professor Agyeman Duah acknowledged the importance of voting in a democratic society and expressed respect for the religious beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventists.
He stated, “Casting a ballot is a very important aspect of citizenship, especially in a democratic society such as we have. So any official decision of any member of the society or country to stay off that particular exercise the least I think I can say is unfortunate. At the same time, however, we still have to have respect for the faith of our people. Those in the church who believe strongly that based on faith they cannot exercise that responsibility I think they have every right to do so. Even though as I say for me, it is not the best decision. The church can announce this official thing but can encourage its members who want to do their duty to the nation to do so.”
He emphasized the challenge of finding a suitable day that accommodates all religious groups, noting that choosing Friday would conflict with the Islamic day of worship.
“We are a nation of various religious groups. Imagine you pick Friday, certainly, our brethren in the Islamic religion will say look, Friday we’ll go to the mosque so how can we go to vote,” he added.
This issue highlights the complexities of scheduling national events in a multi-religious society and the need for solutions that respect the diverse beliefs of all citizens.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
