The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has defended its decision to re-collate election results in nine constituencies after their initial declaration, stating that the move is consistent with past practices in the country’s electoral history.
In a statement shared on social media, the EC highlighted previous instances where re-collation led to changes in declared outcomes, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and fairness in the electoral process.
“Re-collation after the declaration of results is not new. It has happened before,” the EC noted, citing examples from earlier elections:
1. 1998: During district-level elections in the Dompose Kokwaado Electoral Area in the KEEA District, the EC, under Dr. Afari Gyan, overturned an initial declaration to announce the rightful winner.
2. 2004: Re-collation of parliamentary results in the Pru Constituency resulted in the NDC candidate being declared the winner over the NPP candidate.
3. 2004: Similar corrections were made in the Tolon, Yapei-Kusawgu, and Zabzugu constituencies, where re-collation led to the declaration of the correct winners.
The EC has faced criticism over the timing and implications of its decision, with some questioning whether the move could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Despite the backlash, the Commission maintains that re-collation is a corrective measure to address discrepancies and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. It reassured the public that its actions are guided by its constitutional mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.
“The goal is to ensure the results accurately reflect the will of the people,” the statement concluded, as the EC called for public understanding and patience during the process.
