The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has nullified the parliamentary election results for Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, and Ablekuma North constituencies. This decision, announced by EC Chairperson Jean Mensa during a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, December 19th, follows reports of procedural breaches and threats against EC staff during the collation process.
Irregularities and Threats
The EC cited significant irregularities in the collation process for Okaikwei Central and Ablekuma North as the primary reasons for nullification. In Okaikwei Central, results from 31 polling stations were omitted, while in Ablekuma North, results from a staggering 62 polling stations were excluded from the final tally.
Chairperson Mensa explicitly stated that the declarations were made under duress and are therefore considered illegal. The EC has made it clear that any similar instances in other constituencies will not be tolerated.
Re-collation Process and Ongoing Disputes
The EC had previously flagged 12 constituencies for re-collation due to various irregularities. While the process has been successfully completed in Suhum, Akwatia, and Fanteakwa North, the unresolved issues in Okaikwei Central and Ablekuma North remain a major point of contention.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged the re-collation process, arguing that the results declared at individual polling stations should be considered final. This challenge further exacerbates the existing tension surrounding the parliamentary elections in these constituencies.
Background of Violence and Unrest
The collation process in several constituencies, including those affected by the nullification, was marred by violence and unrest. The relocation of collation activities to the Police Training School, intended to ensure the safety of EC staff, was met with additional disputes regarding the aggregation and delegation of results. The incidents highlight the challenges faced by the EC in maintaining order and ensuring a fair electoral process.
EC's Commitment to Transparency
Despite the challenges, the EC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accuracy in the electoral process. The nullification of the results underscores the commission's determination to uphold the integrity of the elections, even in the face of significant obstacles.
The path forward for these three constituencies remains unclear, pending further investigation and potential legal challenges. The situation highlights the ongoing need for a peaceful and transparent electoral process in Ghana.
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