1. Introduction

The Electoral Commission of the Ghana Union Finland (GUF) is an independent body mandated to plan, conduct, and oversee all elections within the Union. The Commission ensures fairness, transparency, and full compliance with the GUF Constitution in the election of all executive officers.

The Commission works strictly without interference from the Governing Board, executive officers, or any external individuals or groups.

2. Legal Basis 

The authority of the Electoral Commission is derived from Article 13 of the Amended GUF Constitution

Amended Constitution , which outlines:

• Appointment of the Electoral Commissioner

• Structure of the Electoral Board

• Eligibility requirements

• Voting procedures

• Tenure

• Independence of the electoral process

3. Structure of the Electoral Commission

3.1 Electoral Commissioner

• Elected by the Governing Board for a 4-year term.

• Must be a paid-up member for at least 3 years.

• Serves as head of the Electoral Board.
  
  

3.2 Electoral Board

A 5-member board consisting of:

• The Electoral Commissioner

• Two (2) members from the Governing Board

• Two (2) members from outside the Governing Board (excluding the Executive Committee)

Members must all be paid-up members for at least 3 years. The Board is appointed by the General Meeting or AGM and serves a 4-year term.

4. Mandate and Responsibilities

4.1 Organizing and Conducting Elections

The Electoral Board is responsible for organizing all GUF elections, including:

• General elections held during the AGM every two years

• Bye-elections when vacancies arise
  
  

4.2 Voter Eligibility and Register

The Commission works with the Financial Secretary, who must submit the list of eligible voters (the voter register) 7 days before Election Day, updated until the day of voting.

Eligible voters must:

• Be paid-up members

• Have also paid the registration fee (if new members)
  
  

4.3 Candidate Eligibility & Filing

• Candidates must:

• Be paid-up members for at least 3 years

• Pick and return nomination forms 4 days before elections

• Meet additional office-specific qualifications (e.g., Youth Organizer age limit, language proficiency)

• The Vetting Committee (appointed separately) vets all candidates.

4.4 Voting Modalities

• The Electoral Commission organizes and supervises voting through:

• In-person voting

• Proxy voting

• Online voting

• Telephone text message voting

• Procedures for these remote voting options must be communicated at least 2 days before election day.
  
  

4.5 Ensuring Transparency & Independence

• The Electoral Board must work independently without interference

• Decisions must strictly follow the GUF Constitution

• The Commissioner ensures fairness, neutrality, and order during elections

4.6 Election Results & Documentation

• After counting and verification:

• Results are announced by the Electoral Commissioner

• The Commission documents the process and files reports with the Governing Board and Secretary

• All electoral materials and results are archived securely