Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), has attributed delays in announcing the 2024 election results to disruptions caused by attacks on EC officials and the destruction of election materials.
In a statement on Sunday, December 8, Mensa called on political party supporters to refrain from interfering with the collation process, which has been hampered by unrest at collation centres.
“Some supporters, in their anxiety and excitement, have besieged the centres, obstructing our officers and, in some instances, damaging crucial equipment,” she said. “This has significantly slowed down the collation process at various levels.”
The EC Chair explained that the collation process involves several stages, including the participation of party agents, observers, and the media, from polling stations to the national collation centre. Disruptions at any stage not only delay the process but also threaten its transparency.
“Our officers need unhindered access and a safe environment to work. We have communicated directly with political party leaders, urging them to recall their supporters from these centres,” Mensa added, calling for a collective effort to maintain peace.
She further clarified that where delays in certain constituencies do not affect the overall outcome of the presidential election, the EC will proceed with the collation and declaration of results.
“Where results from a constituency are delayed but do not impact the final presidential result, we will continue with the declaration process. This approach prevents unnecessary delays while preserving the integrity of the election,” Mensa said.
Amid rising tensions and growing frustration over the delay in results, Mensa reassured the public that the EC is committed to transparency. “We have maintained transparency and accountability throughout this electoral process, and the results will reflect the will of the people as expressed at the polls.”
She concluded by urging Ghanaians to remain calm and allow the EC to complete its work, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the nation’s peace and democracy.
Source:TheDotNews