Seventh-day adventists petition gov't to move election dates from Saturday for members to vote
Seventh-day Adventists are known for their sacred Saturdays and dedication to the Sabbath. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is advocating for a change in the election date, December 7, since it falls on a holy day for worship.
To promote inclusive democracy and avoid holding elections on Ghana’s holy days, the church suggests rescheduling the polls for the first or second Tuesday in November, similar to what nations like the United States do.
The church petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC), stating that the elections would have to be rescheduled from the scheduled December 7 date since it falls on a Saturday and will interfere with the Sabbath, a sacred day honouring God.
In an interview with Joy News, Pulse stated that Solace Asafo, the director of women’s ministry at the Seventh-day Adventist Church Southern Ghana Union Conference, expressed the church’s desire that elections in Ghana won’t occur on any holy day.
For obvious reasons, which involve the inability of Adventists to vote on Saturdays because of their religious beliefs and doctrines, they have stated that the change will permit the patriotic members of the church to partake in the critical election exercise.
The electoral commission is yet to respond to this petition and reveal its stance on the call for a change in the election date.
