EC orders resumption of collation for Ablekuma North amid rising tensions
The Electoral Commission (EC) has directed the resumption of the collation process for the Ablekuma North constituency at the Greater Accra Regional Collation Centre after repeated suspensions caused by escalating tensions and disputes.
This development follows allegations by National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters of attempts to subvert the electoral process. A large crowd of NDC supporters has gathered outside the collation centre, demanding an immediate declaration of the results.
Inside the centre, tempers flared as representatives of the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) clashed, accusing each other of undermining the integrity of the process. The situation has led to chaotic scenes, including shattered louvre blades, as confusion persists.
The collation process was initially suspended on Monday midway through the count. A second suspension occurred earlier today, after results from 219 of the 281 polling stations had been tallied.
According to former NDC Deputy General Secretary Peter Otokunor, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa intervened, instructing officials to resume the collation process despite the unresolved tensions.
Officials have returned to the collation room, attempting to proceed with the tally, but heated exchanges continue to hinder progress.
To maintain order, military personnel have been deployed alongside police reinforcements at the collation centre, aiming to de-escalate tensions.
The Ablekuma North constituency is one of nine parliamentary disputes across the country where collation processes have faced challenges.
The EC had earlier suspended proceedings in these areas but appears to be taking steps to finalise the results under heightened security and scrutiny.
The situation remains volatile as stakeholders call for calm and transparency to resolve the impasse.