The political landscape of Ghana’s Dome-Kwabenya constituency remains embroiled in controversy following the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections. Mike Oquaye Junior, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, has leveled accusations against the National Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging their deliberate downplaying of violent disruptions that marred the electoral process. Oquaye claims that NDC-affiliated thugs interfered with the collation process, snatching and destroying crucial election documentation, specifically pink sheets, which record vote tallies from individual polling stations. This disruption, he argues, casts a significant shadow over the integrity of the initial declaration that named the NDC’s Elikplim Akurugu as the victor. That declaration has since been nullified by the Electoral Commission (EC), further fueling the ongoing dispute and highlighting the need for a transparent and credible resolution.
Oquaye’s central contention revolves around the alleged disregard for due process during the collation phase. He emphasizes that the presence and active participation of representatives from all contending parties are paramount to ensuring a fair and transparent election. The alleged actions of the thugs, by disrupting this process and compromising the integrity of the pink sheets, undermined the very foundation of a legitimate election outcome. The absence of these crucial documents, he argues, makes it impossible to accurately ascertain the will of the voters, thereby necessitating the ongoing legal challenges and the call for a re-collation of the results.
The Dome-Kwabenya constituency now finds itself among nine constituencies facing similar disputes, all of which are subject to court-ordered re-collations. While the EC has declared results in seven of these constituencies, predominantly in favor of the NPP, Dome-Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remain unresolved. The fate of these two constituencies hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court regarding the NDC’s challenge to the re-collation process itself. This legal challenge adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious situation, highlighting the deep divisions and mistrust that have emerged in the wake of the disputed elections.
The ongoing dispute underscores the critical importance of electoral integrity and the need for transparent and credible processes. The allegations of violence and disruption, coupled with the destruction of key electoral documents, raise serious concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the initial election outcome. The subsequent nullification of the results by the EC and the ongoing legal battles further emphasize the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities. The resolution of this dispute is not only crucial for the people of Dome-Kwabenya but also for the broader democratic health of Ghana.
Oquaye has publicly reiterated the NPP’s commitment to transparency, emphasizing their willingness to accept the outcome of a fair and transparent re-collation process. This statement, while seemingly conciliatory, also underscores the NPP’s belief that the initial process was flawed and that a proper re-collation is necessary to establish the true will of the voters. The call for transparency echoes broader concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the need for all stakeholders to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality. The ultimate resolution of the Dome-Kwabenya dispute will serve as a critical test of Ghana’s electoral system and its commitment to democratic principles.
The situation in Dome-Kwabenya reflects the broader challenges facing electoral processes in many parts of the world. The allegations of violence, intimidation, and manipulation of electoral materials highlight the vulnerability of democratic systems to interference and the importance of robust safeguards to ensure free and fair elections. The ongoing legal challenges and the call for transparency underscore the need for strong institutions and impartial oversight to uphold the integrity of the democratic process. The resolution of this dispute will not only determine the political representation of Dome-Kwabenya but also have broader implications for the future of democratic governance in Ghana. The outcome will serve as a precedent for future elections and will shape the public’s trust in the electoral system and its ability to deliver a fair and credible outcome.
