The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the National Elections Security Taskforce over its inability to provide adequate protection for EC staff during the collation and declaration of parliamentary results for nine constituencies following the December 7 elections.
The constituencies in question include Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Dome Kwabenya.
According to the EC, irregularities in the collation process at the constituency level necessitated a recollation at the national level. The exercise began at the Tesano Police Training School in Accra but has since been suspended due to insufficient security arrangements.
At a press conference, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa voiced concerns over the security failures, which she said endangered the safety of EC staff and undermined the credibility of the electoral process.
“Unfortunately, as we have witnessed on TV, images have emerged showing our staff being threatened and made to declare results stemming from incomplete collation processes,” she stated.
She further lamented the presence of political party supporters at collation centres, which disrupted proceedings despite the presence of police officers.
“Though the police have been present at all the collation centres, the supporters of political parties have managed to gain access to the collation centres and have disrupted the collation process,” she added.
The EC’s concerns have heightened calls for more robust security measures to safeguard electoral processes and ensure the safety of personnel involved in the collation and declaration of results.