Accra: The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it is not currently planning to conduct fresh parliamentary elections in the Ablekuma North constituency. The commission emphasized the necessity to complete all electoral procedures before deciding on a potential re-run of the polls in the constituency.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chair of the EC, communicated this decision during his appearance before the Parliament's Committee of the Whole. He was responding to inquiries posed by Mr. Nelson-Rockson Dafeamekpor, the NDC Member of Parliament for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip.
Dr. Asare, representing EC Chair Jean Adukwei Mensa, stated that the commission requires police protection to proceed with the collation of results from the remaining polling stations. He noted, "Mr. Speaker, per the processes that have gone on so far, I don't think it will be good for our democracy to re-run the polls."
The EC has so far completed the collation of results from 278 out of the 281 polling stations in the constituency, with three stations pending. Dr. Asare urged cooperation from representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) to finalize the process.
When questioned about any legal injunctions against continuing the collation, Dr. Asare confirmed that no court orders had been received. However, the National Election Security taskforce advised the commission that it was awaiting legal guidance from the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice on whether to proceed with providing security for the collation.
Dr. Asare outlined that the collation process in Ablekuma North has involved participation from all political parties' agents. Addressing disputes regarding some of the pink sheets, he assured that the EC's presiding officers at the remaining polling stations would verify the signatures of party agents.
He mentioned past instances where the EC utilized scanned pink sheets and carbon copies when originals were unavailable. Dr. Asare also indicated that should the electoral processes reach a stalemate, the EC would consult the Parliament's Independent Constitutional Body Committee for guidance.
Reaffirming the EC's commitment, Dr. Asare assured that the commission is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring fairness and transparency for all political parties, focusing on a smooth electoral process rather than the election outcomes.
