Ghana EC Nullifies Parliamentary Results in Nine Key Constituencies

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KEY POINTS 

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• Ghana’s EC nullifies parliamentary results from nine key constituencies.
• Disruptions by party supporters marred the collation and declaration process.
• EC calls for greater security to protect election processes and staff.

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Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has announced its decision to reject the parliamentary election results from nine constituencies, citing disruptions and unlawful collations that prevented the completion of the process.

The affected constituencies are Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South.

Speaking at a press briefing at the EC headquarters in Accra, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa said the decision was necessary to protect Ghana’s democratic integrity. 

According to Graphic Online, she warned that validating results from disrupted collation processes could set a dangerous precedent for future elections.

“In the view of the Commission, upholding such unlawful collations and declarations will set a bad precedent for our country and set us back to the dark days,” Mrs. Mensa stated firmly.

Disruptions mar collation process in nine constituencies

According to the EC, disruptions in the collation process were caused by supporters of certain political parties who interfered with the collation and declaration of results. 

The Chairperson highlighted that such acts were not only unlawful but also posed a threat to Ghana’s democratic stability.

Moreover, Jean Mensa emphasized that individuals and groups should not be allowed to take control of the electoral process, declaring themselves winners without lawful authority.

“Allowing individuals to use force to take over the collation process and declare themselves winners would undermine Ghana’s democratic principles,” she warned.

Additionally, the EC’s decision has drawn mixed reactions from political stakeholders, as the affected constituencies include some key battleground areas where competition between major political parties was fierce. 

The rejection of the results has left the fate of the parliamentary seats in these areas uncertain, with the next steps yet to be announced.

EC calls for security support from Ghana’s leaders

To prevent similar disruptions in future elections, Jean Mensa has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President-elect John Dramani Mahama, and the National Election Security Task Force to ensure adequate security for EC staff and processes.

However, she stressed that ensuring the safety of election officials and the protection of election procedures was critical to preserving Ghana’s democratic values.

“We call on the National Election Security Task Force to work together to put in place arrangements to ensure that our staff and our processes are protected and secured,” Mrs. Mensa stated.

Moreover, the EC’s plea for enhanced security comes as election-related violence and disputes continue to be a significant concern in Ghana’s democratic process. 

Additionally, the Commission emphasized that its ability to deliver free, fair, and credible elections depends on the protection and support of security agencies.

As stakeholders await the next steps from the EC, the affected constituencies remain in limbo, with questions lingering about how the results will be resolved.