2024 Elections: EC Defends Suspension of Collation at Ablekuma North
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has defended its decision to suspend the collation of electoral results for the Ablekuma North Constituency and undertake the collation in the Greater Accra Regional Office.
In a press statement, it affirmed, “The Commission wishes the Public to note that more than any institution, it would like to bring an end to all collation in outstanding Constituencies.”
Per C.l.127, collation of results requires every Political Party to present two agents to the Collation Centre and directs that collation be done by the Returning Officer and any other officer designated by the Electoral Commission.
However, the Commission explained that Political Party Supporters continue to besiege some Collation Centres, threaten and physically abuse their staff and destroy property.
“Additionally, these supporters order our staff, under duress, to declare results which are not reflected on the Pink Sheets. The Commission is desirous of upholding the laws which govern its operation. It is for this reason that the Commission earlier ordered that the collation of results for the Ablekuma North Constituency be halted temporarily until the proper legal and security structures are restored.”
Evidence of these, it referenced, has been broadcast on TV in the Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central and Ayensuano Constituencies.
It has therefore called on the Political Parties to withdraw their supporters from the Collation Centres.
Meanwhile, it said it is working with the leadership of the Security Agencies and the Political Parties to ensure that the laid down legal procedures are in place.
It added, “The Commission assures the public that it will in no way hinder the collation of results in the outstanding constituencies. It is however committed to ensure that the legal processes are followed in a way that guarantees that the choice of the citizens at the Polls is upheld.”
Source: opemsuo,com/Hajara Fuseini
