Accra, Ghana – The Accra High Court has issued a directive to the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate the results in six constituencies, following legal challenges and allegations of irregularities. The constituencies affected by this ruling are Tema Central, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central.

Background of the Dispute

The dispute began when the EC announced that it would not uphold the results of these constituencies due to disruptions and irregularities in the collation process. Supporters of political parties allegedly besieged collation centers, destroyed property, and intimidated EC staff, leading to significant disruptions. The EC stated that the presence of hundreds of supporters at the collation centers brought proceedings to a standstill and, in some instances, resulted in vandalism and destruction of equipment.

Court Ruling

The court, presided over by Justice Rev. Fr. Joseph Adu Owusu Agyemang, upheld different mandamus applications filed by the respective New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates for the six constituencies. A mandamus order is directed at a public body to conduct its duty as enshrined in law. The ruling followed a statement by the EC that the collation in the said constituencies was illegal since it was done under duress and without reference to electoral laws.

Implications of the Ruling

The court’s decision is seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the parliamentary election results. The ruling underscores the need for prompt action by the EC to conclude the electoral processes in these constituencies. The court also directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to provide armed security to assist the EC in the collation process. This move is intended to ensure a smooth and secure environment for the EC to execute the court’s order.

Public and Political Reactions

The ruling has sparked a wider conversation about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of the EC in ensuring fair and transparent elections. Various stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, have expressed their views on the court’s decision. Some have welcomed the ruling as a necessary step to address the irregularities, while others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the overall election results.

Challenges and Future Steps

Despite the court’s directive, the re-collation process is expected to face several challenges. Ensuring the security and integrity of the process will be paramount. The EC will need to work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent any disruptions or interference. Additionally, the EC must ensure that the re-collation is conducted transparently and in accordance with electoral laws to restore public confidence in the process.

Final Thoughts

The High Court’s directive to re-collate results in six constituencies highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. As the EC moves forward with the re-collation, all eyes will be on the affected constituencies to see how the process unfolds and whether it will restore confidence in the electoral system. The outcome of this re-collation will have significant implications for the overall credibility of the election results and the democratic process in Ghana.

What are your thoughts on this development?