The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing a major setback as the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has dismissed the parliamentary results from nine constituencies where the party claimed victories. This decision follows allegations of electoral malpractice and reports of threats against EC officials during the vote counting process.
On December 19, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa announced that the commission would not recognize the results from the following constituencies: Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Dome-Kwabenya. The rejection is based on claims that the results in these areas were declared under duress, meaning they were announced under pressure or threats aimed at forcing the officials to act against their will.
Mensa emphasized that the EC is committed to ensuring proper procedures are followed in the electoral process, and results declared under duress would not be upheld. “We will not uphold results declared under threats,” she stated during a press conference, reinforcing the commission’s stance on maintaining electoral integrity.
Additionally, the EC called on both outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and incoming President John Dramani Mahama to ensure the safety of EC officials as preparations for the 2024 general elections continue. The EC Chairperson also condemned actions by political party supporters who disrupted the vote counting process on December 7. In some instances, political figures allegedly instructed their supporters to surround EC counting centers, leading to significant disruptions, including the destruction of essential documents and damage to equipment.
In certain constituencies, including Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central, results were announced despite not all votes being counted from several polling stations, due to the chaos caused by these disruptions. The EC made it clear that it would not tolerate actions that undermine the electoral process and would not accept results declared under unlawful pressure.
Source: starrfmonline.com
