Paragraph 1: Progress of Collation
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has reported significant progress in the collation of results from the recent general elections. As of Saturday night, approximately 60% of the polling station results had been successfully transmitted to the designated 276 Constituency Collation Centres across the country. These centres serve as the focal points for compiling the results from over 40,000 polling stations and determining the winners of the parliamentary elections in each constituency. The EC’s dedicated team, led by Mr. Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chair in Charge of Operations, has been diligently overseeing this crucial process. A National Collation Centre, established in Accra, is poised to receive the consolidated results from all 16 regions, paving the way for the declaration of the presidential election outcome.
Paragraph 2: Concerns about Overcrowding and Accreditation
While the collation process has been largely smooth, the EC has raised concerns about unauthorized individuals thronging the Constituency Collation Centres. Party officials, often without proper accreditation, have reportedly crowded these venues, potentially hindering the efficient and transparent execution of the collation procedures. The EC has emphasized that each candidate is entitled to only two accredited agents at each collation centre, urging adherence to this regulation to maintain order and prevent unnecessary congestion. This measure is crucial to ensure that the process remains focused on the accurate and impartial tabulation of votes.
Paragraph 3: Ballot Recount in Suaman Constituency
In the Suaman Constituency, located within the Western Region, a request for a recount of the ballots has been submitted. This request stemmed from allegations of over-voting raised by a party agent, prompting the EC to initiate the recount procedure. Such recounts are an integral part of the electoral process, designed to address concerns about irregularities and ensure the integrity of the final results. The EC is committed to thoroughly investigating any credible allegations of electoral malpractice to uphold public trust and confidence in the democratic process.
Paragraph 4: Timeline for Presidential Election Declaration
The EC has addressed questions regarding the timeline for declaring the winner of the presidential election. While there is public anticipation for a swift announcement, Mr. Tettey clarified that there is no specific legal timeframe within which the EC is obligated to declare the results. The commonly cited 72-hour period is not a legal requirement but rather a target the EC strives to meet to minimize public anxiety. The Commission is dedicated to deploying its resources effectively to expedite the process while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the results. This approach prioritizes a credible outcome over a hasty declaration.
Paragraph 5: Ensuring Accuracy and Transparency
The EC’s commitment to accuracy and transparency is paramount throughout the collation process. The meticulous compilation of results from individual polling stations to the constituency and national levels is designed to ensure that every vote is counted and accounted for. The presence of accredited party agents provides an additional layer of oversight, enabling them to witness the collation process and raise any concerns or objections. This transparent approach fosters confidence in the electoral system and its ability to deliver a fair and credible outcome.
Paragraph 6: Focus on a Credible Outcome
The EC’s overarching goal is to deliver a credible and acceptable election outcome that reflects the will of the Ghanaian people. While timeliness is a consideration, the emphasis remains firmly on ensuring that the results are accurate and indisputable. The EC’s efforts to manage overcrowding at collation centres, address allegations of irregularities, and deploy resources effectively are all geared towards achieving this fundamental objective. The Commission recognizes the significance of the electoral process in upholding democracy and is committed to executing its mandate with integrity and professionalism.
