The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has come under intense scrutiny following its intention to annul the parliamentary election results of nine constituencies from the December 7th elections. This move has been met with strong opposition from civil society organizations, notably Care for Free and Fair Elections Ghana (CARE GHANA), which has labeled the EC’s proposed action as illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic principles. CARE GHANA emphasizes that Ghana’s democratic foundations rest upon transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, and any attempt to invalidate election results must rigorously follow established legal procedures. The organization argues that the EC Chairperson’s purported unilateral attempt to annul the results contravenes Section 44 of the Representation of the People Act, 1992, which mandates transparent decision-making involving all relevant stakeholders in electoral matters. Moreover, CARE GHANA highlights the constitutional right of every Ghanaian citizen to vote and have their vote counted, emphasizing that nullifying this right without due process is not only unlawful but also a severe affront to the sovereignty of the people.
CARE GHANA draws a parallel to the 2020 general elections, where the EC Chairperson, then also the Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, rejected a call for recounts and re-collation in disputed constituencies, citing legal limitations and advising the then-Minority Leader to pursue legal redress through the courts. This precedent, compared to the EC’s current stance on the nine constituencies, reveals a stark inconsistency. CARE GHANA contends that this apparent contradiction – rejecting recounts in one instance while endorsing annulments and re-collation in another – erodes public trust in the electoral process and exposes the EC to accusations of bias, partisanship, and selective application of the law. The organization underscores the importance of consistent application of electoral laws and procedures to maintain the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
The inconsistency in the EC’s approach raises concerns about potential double standards and their implications for Ghana’s democratic stability. CARE GHANA emphasizes that such actions undermine public trust and fuel perceptions of bias, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the electoral system. The organization reminds the EC of its constitutional mandate to act impartially in electoral matters, adhering strictly to principles of fairness, transparency, and consistency. Any deviation from these principles, whether perceived or actual, poses a serious threat to the peace and stability of Ghana’s democracy. By highlighting the previous rejection of recount requests and contrasting it with the current move to annul results, CARE GHANA underscores the need for consistent application of electoral laws and regulations to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
CARE GHANA strongly advocates for utilizing the established legal channels for contesting election results, namely the judiciary. The organization emphasizes that dissatisfied parties should present their grievances before a court of competent jurisdiction, as bypassing this legal pathway generates unnecessary tension and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions. This emphasis on due process reinforces the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the established legal framework for resolving electoral disputes. By urging adherence to legal procedures, CARE GHANA seeks to prevent potential escalation of tensions and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
The organization calls upon various stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and the international community, to closely monitor the situation and actively defend the rule of law. CARE GHANA stresses that Ghana’s hard-earned reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa is at stake and must be protected. This call for vigilance underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring that electoral processes are conducted with integrity and transparency. By engaging multiple stakeholders, CARE GHANA aims to create a network of oversight and accountability to safeguard the electoral process and uphold democratic values.
In conclusion, CARE GHANA urges the EC Chairperson to reconsider the decision to annul the election results of the nine constituencies and uphold the principles of fairness and justice. The organization believes that upholding the rule of law and adhering to established legal procedures for challenging election results are crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process and safeguarding Ghana’s democratic reputation. The call for transparency, consistency, and adherence to legal processes reflects CARE GHANA’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Ghana. The organization’s call for the EC to reconsider its decision emphasizes the importance of prioritizing democratic principles and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
