Re-collation after declaration of results not new — EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) has responded to criticisms over the recent re-collation of parliamentary election results in nine constituencies, clarifying that re-collation after the declaration of results is not unprecedented in Ghana’s electoral history.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 24, the Commission cited several instances to support its position, noting that similar exercises were undertaken in previous elections to address irregularities and ensure transparency.

“Re-collation after the declaration of results is not new. In 2004, under Dr. Afari Gyan’s leadership, the EC re-collated and overturned parliamentary results for constituencies such as Pru and Tolon. These steps were necessary to uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” the EC said.

The re-collation of results, which saw the New Patriotic Party (NPP) winning seven of the nine seats in contention, followed an Accra High Court directive to finalize the election outcomes in constituencies where disputes had arisen. These included Tema Central, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South and Okaikwei Central.

While the EC defended its actions as part of its mandate to ensure credible elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the outcomes, describing the exercise as “illegal and manipulated.”

In a press release signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey on Saturday, December 21, the NDC alleged that the EC acted in defiance of a court’s Stay of Execution order.

“The Electoral Commission has consistently chosen a path of illegality and impunity, undermining the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process,” the statement read in part.

The NDC further accused the EC of colluding with security agencies to suppress the will of the people, stating, “The unholy alliance between the EC, the police, and the military leadership has facilitated the unlawful manipulation of election results.”

The EC, however, maintains that the re-collation process was conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

“The court-ordered re-collation sought to ensure compliance with electoral laws and restore public confidence in the electoral process,” the Commission noted.

Out of the nine constituencies, the NPP retained or flipped seats in Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Techiman South, Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Ahafo Ano North, among others.

The NDC has vowed to challenge the results, calling on the international community to scrutinize the EC’s actions.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to restoring the dignity of Ghana’s electoral process and ensuring that the voices of Ghanaians are respected,” Fifi Kwetey noted.