By P. K. Yankey
Takoradi (W/R), Dec 20, GNA – Care for Free and Fair Election Ghana (CARE GHANA) says it is illegal for the Electoral Commission (EC) to attempt to annul the election results of nine constituencies in the December 07 parliamentary elections.
“We categorically state that such a move is illegal, unconstitutional, and undermines the principles of democratic governance in Ghana,” the organisation said.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Executive Director of CARE Ghana, Mr. David Kumi Addo copied to Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.
The statement noted that, “Ghana has built its democracy on the foundation of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. Any attempt to annul legitimate election results must follow due process as enshrined in the laws governing elections in this country.”
According to the statement, it is imperative that all stakeholders, especially those entrusted with safeguarding our democracy, act within the confines of the law.
“The EC Chairperson’s alleged attempt to unilaterally annul these results, violates Section 44 of the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284), which mandates that all decisions affecting elections must be transparent and made in consultation with all relevant stakeholders”.
It said additionally, the Constitution guarantees every Ghanaian citizen the right to vote and to have their vote counted. “Any act that seeks to nullify this right without due process is not only illegal but a gross affront to the sovereignty of the people.”
The statement recalled that ” in the aftermath of the 2020 general elections, the Chairperson of the EC and Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, Madam Jean Mensa, categorically declined the Member of Parliament MP for Tamale Central, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu’s call for a recount and re-collation in constituencies where disputes arose.
It said the EC Chairperson cited legal limitations, stating her inability to direct presiding officers to undertake such an exercise. Instead, she advised the then-Minority Leader to seek redress through the courts.
“Today, however, the EC has deemed it expedient to annul nine declared elections and unilaterally call for re-collation.
This contradictory stance reflects a dangerous trend of reprobating and approbating, condemning a course of action in one instance while endorsing it in another”.
The statement noted that such inconsistencies eroded public trust in the electoral process and exposed the EC to allegations of bias, partisanship, and selective application of the law.
The statement reminded the EC of its constitutional mandate to act as an impartial arbiter in electoral matters. Its actions must adhere strictly to the principles of fairness, transparency, and consistency. Double standards, whether perceived or actual, have dire implications for the peace and stability of Ghana’s democracy.
It further emphasized that the proper forum for contesting election results was the judiciary. “Parties dissatisfied with any aspect of the electoral process must present their grievances before a court of competent jurisdiction”.
It said attempts to sidestep this legal pathway create unnecessary tension and erode public confidence in our democratic institutions.
The statement called on the government, civil society organizations, and the international community to monitor the situation closely and to stand firmly in defence of the rule of law as Ghana cannot afford to compromise its hard-earned reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
It advised the EC Chairperson to rescind any plans to annul the election results of the nine constituencies and to uphold the principles of fairness and justice adding that “Ghana deserves nothing less”.
GNA