Paragraph 1: Allegations of Illegal Re-collation and Threats to Democracy
Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has raised serious concerns about alleged illegal re-collation of election results involving the Electoral Commission (EC), the Ghana Police Service, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mr. Nketia issued a stern warning, highlighting the potential repercussions of such unlawful actions and emphasizing the importance of adhering to established electoral processes. He stressed that the alleged collaboration between these institutions to manipulate election results poses a significant threat to Ghana’s democracy and undermines the integrity of the electoral system.
Paragraph 2: Constitutional Mandate and Established Procedures
The NDC Chairman underscored the importance of respecting the constitutional provisions and procedures outlined by the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) regarding the collation of election results. He argued that no single political party or institution, including the EC, should possess the sole authority to collate results. Such exclusive control, according to Mr. Nketia, creates fertile ground for potential fraud and manipulation. He expressed disbelief at reports suggesting that one political party, the NPP, had tallied results while other parties lacked access to crucial documentation like pink sheets. This lack of transparency, he argued, further jeopardizes the credibility of the electoral process.
Paragraph 3: Roles and Responsibilities in Election Declaration
Mr. Asiedu Nketia clarified the constitutionally defined roles in the declaration of election results. He explained that the EC Chairperson is solely responsible for declaring the presidential election results, while EC representatives in various constituencies are tasked with declaring and swearing in parliamentary candidates-elect. By emphasizing these distinct roles and responsibilities, the NDC Chairman sought to highlight any deviations from established procedures as potential instances of electoral malpractice. This clarification serves as a benchmark against which to assess the legality and legitimacy of reported actions related to the collation and declaration of election results.
Paragraph 4: Accusations Against the Police and Warning to Traditional Leaders
Addressing reports of NPP-led re-collation activities at the Tesano Police Depot, Mr. Asiedu Nketia revealed that he had previously advised NDC supporters against participating in such exercises due to the absence of a legal or mutually agreed-upon framework. He accused the police of facilitating these illegal re-collation efforts, claiming that their actions exceeded their mandate and undermined the democratic process. Furthermore, the NDC Chairman called on traditional leaders to refrain from interfering in electoral matters, reminding them of the constitutional prohibition against chiefs engaging in active politics.
Paragraph 5: Criticism of Afenyo-Markin and Pledge of Accountability
Mr. Asiedu Nketia directed sharp criticism towards Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the outgoing Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, accusing him of hypocrisy. He challenged Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s attempts to lecture the NDC on democracy while allegedly engaging in actions that demonstrate "a replica of impunity." The NDC Chairman delivered a strong warning, stating that any individual or institution using government resources to perpetrate illegality would face consequences when the NDC assumes power in the future. This served as a clear message regarding the party’s commitment to holding those accountable who undermine Ghana’s democratic processes.
Paragraph 6: Commitment to Upholding Democratic Principles
In concluding his address, Mr. Asiedu Nketia reaffirmed the NDC’s unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system. He emphasized the party’s dedication to holding individuals and institutions accountable for any actions that threaten the foundations of democracy. This commitment, according to Mr. Nketia, extends to pursuing justice and redress for any electoral malpractices that compromise the will of the people and undermine the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. He reiterated the NDC’s intent to address any and all attempts to manipulate election results and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
