The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has taken the decisive step of nullifying the parliamentary election results declared in three constituencies within the Greater Accra Region: Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Ablekuma North. This action stems from irregularities observed during the collation and declaration processes, primarily involving the omission of results from a substantial number of polling stations. EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, addressed the nation in a press briefing, explaining that the returning officers in these constituencies were coerced into prematurely declaring the winners without adhering to the established procedures. This coercion, coupled with the incomplete results, compromised the integrity of the electoral process, leading to the EC’s decision to invalidate the declarations.
The EC’s invalidation of the results is underpinned by specific instances of procedural violations. In Okaikwei Central, the declared winner was announced based on results from only 110 polling stations, neglecting the input from 41 stations. Similarly, in Ablekuma North, the declaration relied on results from 219 polling stations, omitting data from 62 stations. In Tema Central, the returning officer was compelled to declare a winner based on results from 146 polling stations, excluding the data from two crucial stations. These omissions represent a significant breach of protocol, as the declaration of a winner should be contingent upon the complete aggregation of results from all designated polling stations. The EC maintains that such discrepancies undermine the accuracy and fairness of the electoral outcome, hence the decision to nullify the results.
The EC’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity is further exemplified by its handling of six other constituencies where irregularities were reported. These constituencies include Ahafo Ano South-West, Ahafo Ano North, and Nsawam Adoagyiri. In these cases, collation centers were besieged by supporters of various political parties, disrupting the collation process and preventing the declaration of winners. The EC has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process in these constituencies is completed in a transparent and lawful manner, devoid of undue influence or disruption. This commitment underscores the EC’s dedication to conducting free and fair elections, reflecting the will of the electorate without external interference.
The nullification of the results in the three Greater Accra constituencies has significant political implications. In all three constituencies, candidates from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had been initially declared winners. In Okaikwei Central, NDC’s Baba Sadiq had ostensibly defeated the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament, Dr. Patrick Boamah. In Ablekuma North, NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn had seemingly triumphed over NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh. And in Tema Central, NDC’s Ebi Bright had been declared the winner. The EC’s decision effectively resets the electoral process in these constituencies, requiring a fresh collation and declaration of results in accordance with established procedures. This development introduces an element of uncertainty into the parliamentary landscape of these constituencies, pending the outcome of the revised collation process.
The EC’s actions underscore its commitment to transparency and adherence to due process. By nullifying the results in constituencies where irregularities were observed, the EC reinforces public trust in the electoral system. This commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process is crucial for maintaining a stable and democratic environment. The re-collation of results in the affected constituencies will provide an opportunity to rectify the identified shortcomings and ensure that the final outcome accurately reflects the will of the electorate. The EC’s proactive approach in addressing these issues serves as a testament to its dedication to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
The nullification of the results and the subsequent re-collation process will undoubtedly garner significant public attention. The outcome of the revised collation will have a direct impact on the parliamentary representation of the affected constituencies and could potentially influence the overall balance of power in Parliament. The EC has the responsibility to ensure that the re-collation process is conducted with utmost transparency and efficiency, allowing for public scrutiny and minimizing the potential for further disputes or challenges. The integrity of the electoral process is paramount to maintaining public confidence in the democratic system, and the EC’s actions in these circumstances will play a crucial role in shaping public perception and reinforcing the legitimacy of the electoral outcome.
