The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the High Court judge who ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate election results in nine contested constituencies of bias and procedural errors.

In a ruling on December 20, the High Court instructed the EC to re-collate results in constituencies where alleged irregularities had been raised. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates filed a mandamus application, arguing that discrepancies in the election results required verification to ensure transparency.

While some have interpreted the ruling as a reinforcement of the EC’s constitutional duty to ensure credible elections, the NDC has strongly criticized the decision, calling it legally flawed and controversial.

The EC has complied with the order in seven constituencies, although re-collation in Dome/Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remains unfinished.

Speaking at the Supreme Court on December 27, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, argued that the High Court’s decision breached the principles of natural justice. He claimed that the NDC had been denied the opportunity to present its case, which he said played a crucial role in influencing the ruling.

The NDC also accused the trial judge of bias and failing to meet procedural standards. Tamakloe pointed to a “non-jurisdictional error of law,” claiming the judge overlooked Order 55 Rule 5 (2) of CI 47, which mandates that parties with an interest in a mandamus application be notified and allowed to respond.

These allegations of judicial misconduct and procedural errors have further complicated the ongoing legal dispute, with the Supreme Court’s ruling expected to have significant implications.

Source:TheDotNews