The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vehemently rejected the re-collated parliamentary results declared by the Electoral Commission (EC) in seven constituencies, alleging manipulation and bias in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The disputed constituencies, all declared for the NPP after the re-collation, are Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South, Ahafo Ano South West, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, and Tema Central. The NDC, through a statement issued by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, condemned the re-collation process as unlawful, accusing the EC of undermining the principles of fairness and transparency that are fundamental to a credible electoral process. The party views the declared results as a direct assault on the democratic will of the Ghanaian people, alleging that the EC, under the leadership of Jean Mensah, acted to benefit the NPP. The NDC emphasizes that electoral malpractice has no statute of limitations, signaling its intent to hold the EC accountable for its actions.
The re-collation of results in the seven constituencies was ordered by the High Court following allegations of irregularities during the initial counting and declaration of results. The NDC contends that despite the court order, the re-collation process conducted by the EC lacked impartiality and credibility, thus rendering the declared results unacceptable. The party maintains that the EC’s actions have eroded public trust in the institution, raising concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system. The NDC’s rejection of the re-collated results signals a deepening political tension surrounding the parliamentary elections, with the party determined to pursue legal and other avenues to challenge the outcome.
The NDC’s statement highlights the party’s perspective on the re-collation exercise, characterizing it as a flawed process designed to unfairly advantage the NPP. The party criticizes the EC’s handling of the re-collation, alleging a lack of transparency and a deliberate disregard for due process. The NDC’s assertion that the EC’s actions have undermined public trust underscores the potential for the disputed results to fuel further political instability and distrust in the electoral system. By emphasizing the absence of a statute of limitations for electoral malpractice, the NDC signals its resolve to pursue legal action against the EC and hold those responsible accountable for what it perceives as electoral manipulation.
The NDC’s rejection of the re-collated results adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious post-election landscape. The party’s accusations of bias and manipulation directed at the EC raise serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the fairness of the declared results. The NDC’s commitment to challenging the results through legal and political channels suggests that the dispute over these seven constituencies is far from resolved and could potentially lead to prolonged legal battles and political tensions. The party’s call for its supporters to remain peaceful underscores the potential for the situation to escalate into unrest, highlighting the need for dialogue and adherence to legal processes.
Furthermore, the NDC’s strong condemnation of the EC’s actions reflects a growing concern about the impartiality and independence of the electoral body. The accusations of bias in favor of the ruling party undermine public confidence in the EC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, a crucial element of a functioning democracy. The NDC’s statement serves as a public expression of its distrust in the EC and its determination to challenge what it perceives as an attempt to subvert the democratic will of the people. The party’s stance underscores the importance of ensuring the independence and integrity of electoral institutions to maintain public faith in the democratic process.
Finally, the NDC’s call for peace and restraint from its supporters, while commending their adherence to this call thus far, highlights the delicate nature of the situation. The potential for post-election violence remains a significant concern, and the NDC’s emphasis on peaceful conduct demonstrates its commitment to avoiding further escalation. The party’s message to its supporters underscores the importance of channeling dissent through legal and peaceful means, while simultaneously sending a clear message to the EC and the ruling party that it will not accept what it considers to be fraudulent electoral practices. The NDC’s actions in the coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the dispute and the overall stability of the post-election environment.
