The Electoral Commission (EC) has reaffirmed its constitutional independence, asserting that it cannot be coerced into declaring the results of the Ablekuma North Parliamentary race outside due process.
The Commission emphasized that its authority is enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, and no amount of pressure or ultimatums from political groups will influence its procedures.
Fred Tetteh, Deputy Director of Research at the EC, made this declaration following growing agitation from political parties and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) demanding the immediate release of the constituency’s results.
Mr. Tetteh said the EC is committed to transparency and accuracy in its electoral process and will not succumb to external pressures that may compromise the integrity of the election.
He further explained that the collation of results in Ablekuma North had encountered certain challenges, necessitating a more cautious approach before the final declaration.
Reports indicate that discrepancies in the figures from three polling stations had delayed the collation process, with political party agents raising concerns over inconsistencies between the initial tallied results and what was recorded on the official pink sheets.
There were also allegations of missing electoral materials, which required the Commission to thoroughly verify before proceeding with the final collation.
Mr. Tetteh remained resolute and assured that the declaration would be made promptly.
“One thing that I would like people to know is that the Electoral Commission, as per Article 46 of the 1992 Constitution, doesn’t work under the direction or authority of any individual or body.
“The Commission’s independence is assured in the Constitution, and therefore, giving an ultimatum will not amount to anything. The Commission, in its own time, will come out and have the three polling stations added up and a declaration made,” Mr Tetteh said in an interview
Voice Fred Tetteh
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