The Ghana Journalists Association Elections Committee on Tuesday announced that nominations for both national and regional branch elections of the Association would be closed on Thursday, January 31 instead of Thursday February 28, as previously announced.

“This adjustment has become necessary to ensure that candidates are given ample time to campaign, as well as present their manifesto messages to the various constituents of the Association,” Mrs Betty Apau-Opong, Vice Chairperson of the Committee said at a press conference in Accra.

She said the names of nominees would be announced soon after the closure of the exercise and asked members of GJA who wish to submit memoranda to the Committee opposing any of the nominations to do so on or before February 4.

Mrs Apau-Opong said the revised period would also enable the Committee to vet or conduct due diligence on the nominees.

Vetting ends on February 6.

The Committee will mount a joint platform for the contestants for the national executive positions on February 26, 2013; at the Ghana International Press Centre whilst similar activities would be conducted at the regional branches by Regional Election Assistants.

Cut-off dates for the payment of membership dues would be February 28, 2013 and final list of members shall be the voter register which shall be published in the newspapers by Monday, March 4.

The Vice Chairperson said the Committee would come out soon with newly approved polling centres for the Friday March 8 elections to enhance convenience in voting for the ever growing private media.

The polling stations at the regional level will be determined by the Elections Committee in consultation with the Regional Elections Assistants and communicated prior to the elections.

“Only GJA ID Cards shall be accepted as the voter’s identification card on polling day and members should ensure that they possess valid GJA ID Cards, “she added.

Mrs Apau-Opong explained that in case of a missing ID card, a voter should immediately apply to the Elections Committee in writing or through its email gjaelectee@gmail.com stating their details, payment particulars including receipts, and GJA number for verification with the secretariat.