The Electoral Commission (EC) has described the declaration of parliamentary results in certain constituencies as illegal, citing breaches of electoral laws and violent actions by political party supporters.
According to Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chair of the EC in charge of Operations, the Commission has temporarily halted the collation of results for the Ablekuma North Constituency due to ongoing security and legal concerns.
Mr. Tettey explained that the decision aligns with the requirements of CI 127, which mandates political parties to present two accredited agents at collation centres, with collation conducted solely by the Returning Officer and designated EC officials.
He emphasized that the EC remains committed to concluding the collation process in all outstanding constituencies but insists that this must be done lawfully.
“What we are witnessing at some collation centres is unacceptable. Political party supporters have besieged these centres, physically attacking our staff, destroying property, and demanding results that do not reflect the true votes cast. Such actions are illegal and undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” Mr. Tettey stated.
The Deputy Chair noted that EC staff have reported feeling unsafe due to the volatile environment, despite the presence of security personnel.
Evidence of the disturbances, including the destruction of ballot papers, vandalism of property, and physical assaults, has been widely broadcast on TV and radio.
He assured the public that the Commission is taking all necessary steps to restore order and ensure that the collation process adheres strictly to electoral laws.
“Until the appropriate security and legal structures are restored, collation at Ablekuma North and similar constituencies will remain suspended,” Mr. Tettey added.
The EC has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections and called on political parties to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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