The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has successfully obtained an interlocutory injunction from a court, effectively halting the Electoral Commission’s (EC) re-collation exercise for four constituencies in the Eastern Region, including the hotly contested Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituency. This legal action throws a wrench into the EC’s efforts to reconcile perceived discrepancies in the recorded vote tallies from the December 7th general elections. The re-collation, which commenced on Thursday, December 12th, at the Tesano Police Depot in Accra, was intended to address concerns over potential inaccuracies on the pink sheets, the primary documents used to record election results at each polling station. The injunction, served on the EC on Friday, December 13th, abruptly suspended the proceedings, leaving the outcome of the four constituencies in limbo.
The NDC’s intervention stems from their profound unease with the EC’s handling of the re-collation process. The party contends that they were neither informed nor consulted about the exercise, raising questions about transparency and due process. NDC Chairman, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, publicly denounced the EC’s actions, describing the re-collation as clandestine and a blatant violation of established electoral laws and procedures. The lack of prior notification to the NDC, a major stakeholder in the electoral process, fueled suspicions of potential manipulation and underscored the party’s concerns about the integrity of the re-collation exercise. The choice of venue, the Police Detective Academy in Tesano, further contributed to the NDC’s apprehension, raising questions about the impartiality and neutrality of the process.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia, in a press conference held shortly after the injunction was served, reiterated the NDC’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. He emphasized that the party would not stand idly by while the EC engaged in what they perceive as illegal activities that could compromise the will of the people. The injunction, therefore, represents a decisive step by the NDC to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and protect the rights of voters in the affected constituencies. The party’s swift legal action signals their determination to challenge any perceived irregularities and ensure that the final results accurately reflect the choices made by the electorate.
The NDC’s broader concern is that the manner in which the EC initiated and conducted the re-collation process undermines the principles of electoral integrity. The lack of transparency, coupled with the absence of prior notification to key stakeholders, creates an environment ripe for manipulation and erodes public trust in the electoral system. The party’s position is that such actions, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent for future elections, potentially jeopardizing the democratic process. The injunction serves as a clear message that the NDC will actively defend the principles of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral system.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia’s strong warning to influential figures, including traditional leaders, against interfering in the electoral process further highlights the NDC’s concerns about potential undue influence and pressure on the EC. This warning underscores the party’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all candidates and preventing any attempts to manipulate the outcome of the elections. By calling out potential interference from powerful individuals, the NDC seeks to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the final results are a genuine reflection of the will of the people, free from external pressures.
The NDC’s pursuit of legal redress through the interlocutory injunction demonstrates their unwavering determination to uphold the law and protect the voting rights of citizens in the affected constituencies. The party’s stance is that the EC’s actions not only violate established electoral procedures but also disenfranchise voters by potentially altering the legitimate outcome of the election. The NDC’s commitment to challenging the re-collation process through legal means underscores their belief in the rule of law and their dedication to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process for all Ghanaians. The ongoing legal battle will likely have significant implications for the final outcome of the elections in the affected constituencies and could set a precedent for future electoral disputes.
