The Electoral Commission (EC) has nullified the parliamentary results for Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, and Ablekuma North, citing procedural breaches and threats to its staff during the collation process.
Announcement and Reasons for Nullification
During a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, December 19, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa outlined the irregularities that led to the decision. According to her, the results for Okaikwei Central and Ablekuma North were declared without proper collation, involving significant omissions:
- Okaikwei Central: Results from 31 polling stations were excluded.
- Ablekuma North: Results from 62 polling stations were not collated.
“In the case of Okaikwei Central, the winner was declared without collating results from 31 polling stations. In the case of the Ablekuma North, a winner was declared without collating results from 62 polling stations.
“This is unacceptable, the declarations were made under threats and the Commission considers these as illegal. Those declarations similar in other constituencies will not be upheld.”
Out of 12 constituencies flagged for re-collation, the EC has successfully completed the process for Suhum, Akwatia, and Fanteakwa North. However, the contested results in Okaikwei Central and Ablekuma North remain unresolved due to the irregularities.
Background
The collation process in several constituencies, including Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central, was marred by violence and unrest. The relocation of collation activities to the Police Training School was met with disputes over the aggregation and delegation of results.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged the re-collation process, arguing that results declared at polling stations should stand as final. The EC’s nullification adds to the tension surrounding the parliamentary elections in these contentious constituencies.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and accuracy in the electoral process, despite challenges encountered in certain areas.
Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, 2 other Parliamentary declarations illegal, can’t be upheld – EC
