The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has temporarily halted the re-collation of parliamentary results for the Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North constituencies, citing significant obstacles stemming from missing pink sheets – the primary record of polling station results – and unresolved disputes over other crucial election documents. These two constituencies are among nine flagged for a re-collation of results following a High Court order, prompted by allegations of irregularities during the initial collation process. The EC’s efforts to review the results in these nine constituencies have yielded declarations in seven, all in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, the remaining two constituencies have presented significant challenges, highlighting the complexities and vulnerabilities of the electoral process.
In Ablekuma North, the re-collation exercise ground to a halt due to the returning officer’s inability to produce 62 of the necessary pink sheets. These documents, which serve as the official record of votes cast at each polling station, are indispensable for a complete and accurate tally. Their absence has effectively paralyzed the re-collation process, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the constituency’s final results and underscoring the critical importance of preserving the integrity of these crucial election materials. The missing pink sheets not only impede the immediate task of determining the election outcome but also raise concerns about the transparency and accountability of the electoral process itself.
The situation in Dome Kwabenya presents an even more intricate challenge. The returning officer reported that pink sheets for three polling stations exist only in digital format, and attempts to secure hard copies have proven unsuccessful. This raises questions about the chain of custody of these documents and the potential for manipulation or loss of data. The reliance on digital copies in the absence of original hard copies further complicates the verification process and potentially undermines public trust in the integrity of the election outcome. The discrepancy between the available digital copies and the missing hard copies necessitates a thorough investigation to determine the whereabouts of the original documents and ascertain the validity of the digital versions.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) attributes these difficulties to violent disruptions that allegedly marred the initial collation process. The party claims that its agents were subjected to assaults, and critical election documents, including pink sheets, were seized and subsequently destroyed amidst the chaos. These allegations, if substantiated, point to serious security breaches that compromised the integrity of the electoral process. The alleged violence and destruction of documents underscore the importance of ensuring a secure and peaceful environment for electoral officials and party representatives during collation exercises. A thorough investigation into these claims is crucial to understand the extent of the disruptions and to hold those responsible accountable.
To prevent further disruptions and ensure transparency during the re-collation efforts, the EC has implemented stringent security measures. Joint teams comprising police and military personnel have been deployed to maintain order and oversee the process. This heightened security presence aims to deter any potential interference or violence, safeguarding the integrity of the re-collation exercise and ensuring the safety of all participants. The deployment of security forces underscores the EC’s commitment to completing the re-collation process in a peaceful and transparent manner, despite the challenges encountered.
Despite these setbacks, the EC remains committed to resolving the outstanding issues and ensuring a fair and conclusive outcome in both constituencies. Benjamin Bano Bio, Director of Electoral Services at the EC, has affirmed the Commission’s dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. He confirmed that investigations are underway to locate the missing documents and address the disputes in Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North. The EC’s commitment to transparency and due process is essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral system and ensuring the legitimacy of the final results. The EC’s ongoing investigations and its appeal for patience from stakeholders demonstrate its commitment to a thorough and credible resolution of the outstanding issues.
