The Electoral Commission (EC) has voided the parliamentary election results for Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, and Ablekuma North due to procedural breaches and threats to staff during the collation process.
At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, December 19, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa highlighted the irregularities leading to the nullification. Key issues included omissions in the collation process and declarations made under duress.
- Okaikwei Central: Results from 31 polling stations were excluded, yet a winner was declared.
- 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,” Jean Mensa stated. “Such declarations will not be upheld.”
Out of 12 flagged constituencies requiring recollation, the EC has successfully addressed issues in Suhum, Akwatia, and Fanteakwa North. However, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Dome Kwabenya remain unresolved due to the irregularities.
The collation processes in Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central were disrupted by violence and disputes. Relocation of collation activities to the Police Training School further fuelled contention, with parties disputing the aggregation and delegation of results.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has contested the recollation process, insisting that results declared at polling stations should remain final.
The EC has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accuracy in the electoral process despite challenges in specific areas.
“These nullifications, though difficult, are necessary to maintain the integrity of our elections,” Jean Mensa emphasised.
The decision adds to the already heightened tension surrounding the parliamentary elections in these contentious constituencies, leaving stakeholders and constituents awaiting further developments.