The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has encountered a significant roadblock in its efforts to finalize the collation of presidential and parliamentary election results from the December 7th election. Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the EC’s Director of Training, revealed that the Ghana Police Service has deemed the current environment unconducive for the resumption of the collation process, particularly in constituencies where the process was incomplete or did not adhere to the prescribed procedures outlined in Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 127. This communication from the police followed a formal request from the EC for security personnel to be deployed to facilitate the completion of the collation exercise. The police’s assessment of the security situation has effectively stalled the EC’s efforts to consolidate the election results and declare the final outcome.
This development adds another layer of complexity to an already tense post-election period. While voting and counting were successfully completed at all polling stations across the country, the subsequent collation process, particularly in certain constituencies, encountered disruptions and irregularities. The EC, in response, initiated a re-collation exercise at the Tesano Police Depot for affected constituencies. However, this too was halted on December 13th, pending further notice, due to the developing security concerns. The police’s declaration that the environment remains unsuitable for the resumption of the collation process further underscores the challenges facing the EC in its mandate to deliver a credible and conclusive election outcome.
Dr. Quaicoe, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a press conference organized by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and other civil society organizations, emphasized the EC’s commitment to upholding the will of the Ghanaian people as expressed through the ballot box. He assured the public that the results from all polling stations are available and that the EC’s primary objective is to consolidate these results and declare the legitimate outcome of the election. He stressed that any outcome contrary to the will of the people would be unacceptable. This statement reflects the EC’s awareness of the heightened public scrutiny and the importance of ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
The impasse created by the police’s security assessment presents a considerable challenge to the EC’s efforts to finalize the election results. The delay in completing the collation process raises concerns about the potential for further disputes and tensions, particularly given the closely contested nature of the election. The EC’s commitment to upholding the will of the people underscores the importance of finding a swift and credible resolution to the current situation. The collaboration between the EC and security agencies, like the Ghana Police Service, will be crucial in establishing a secure environment that allows for the completion of the collation process and the declaration of the final results.
The involvement of civil society organizations, such as CDD-Ghana, WANEP, NERG, and CODEO, in monitoring and advocating for transparency in the electoral process is also noteworthy. Their engagement highlights the role of independent observers in promoting accountability and ensuring that the election reflects the democratic will of the people. The press conference organized by these organizations, during which Dr. Quaicoe spoke to journalists, provided a platform for disseminating information and engaging in public discourse about the ongoing electoral challenges.
Moving forward, resolving the security concerns identified by the Ghana Police Service will be paramount. The EC, in collaboration with security agencies, needs to address the specific factors contributing to the perceived instability and create a secure environment for the resumption and completion of the collation process. Maintaining open communication with the public and all stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, will be crucial in building trust and ensuring a smooth and transparent conclusion to the electoral process. The timely declaration of the final results, in accordance with the law and reflecting the will of the people, is essential for preserving the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining stability in Ghana.
