The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, has called for patience as the commission works to finalize and announce the results of the 2024 presidential elections.
Adressing the media on Sunday, December 8, she assured Ghanaians of the EC’s commitment to transparency while explaining the complexities of the collation process.
“We understand the anxiety and expectations of Ghanaians, especially with both major political parties having shared their results.
“However, the EC has an elaborate and thorough process that we must adhere to,” she stated. “It has only been 23 hours since polls closed, and we urge citizens to exercise patience as we complete the process”.
Jean Mensa highlighted that under the CI 127 regulations, the EC is allowed up to 72 hours to declare the presidential results.
She referenced the 2020 elections, where the commission set a record by declaring results within 48 hours, but noted that the current situation calls for more time.
“While we broke the record in 2020, we must ensure thoroughness and accuracy. If results from all regions arrive earlier and are verified, we will announce the winner without delay”
However, we are prepared to use the full 72 hours if necessary to protect the integrity of the process,” she emphasised.
Jean Mensa assured citizens that the commission is prioritizing the will of the people, as reflected in the results from polling stations across the country.
“The pink sheets form the foundation of our results. These are signed and verified at every stage by party agents, and we will ensure that the final results represent the people’s choice”.
The plea comes in response to calls by Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who urged the National Peace Council to pressure the EC to expedite the declaration process.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Mr Asiedu Nketia stated that the two leading parties, the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have already declared their tallied results, which align with declaring John Dramani Mahama as the winner.
Despite this, the EC remains silent, which the NDC views as a dangerous delay that could escalate tensions.
The two key players in this election, the NDC and the NPP, have presented their collated results, and the NPP has even conceded. So what is keeping the Electoral Commission from officially declaring the results?” Asiedu Nketia quizzed.
But Jean Mensa maintained that the EC’s delay is in the interest of transparency and fairness.
“We want Ghanaians to know that this election has been conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner. The results we announce will reflect the true will of the people,” she conclude.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
