The Chairman of the NDC 2024 Manifesto Planning Committee, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decisions made by the Electoral Commission (EC) to halt the collation process for the Ablekuma North constituency.
According to Dr. Otokunor, the EC’s decision to suspend the collation and declaration of results based on alleged chaos was unfounded.
“The auditorium was serene, quiet, and well-secured. Representatives from all parties were ready, the returning officer was ready, and by law, only the returning officer who is clothed with the authority to declare constituency elections – two parties are ready, security is in charge, and the place is completely barricaded. Only a few people are in there and Jean Mensa is saying because the Director said that her life is in danger, we should put the exercise on hold.’’
Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor Chairman of the NDC 2024 Manifesto Planning Committee
He emphasized the urgency of concluding the collation to prevent unrest among voters, noting:
“If we had sat down, we would have used only one hour to finish the process. The EC must listen. The [EC] had agreed that she would call the Director to reassess the situation. [But] I know the Director would continue to lie.”
Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor Chairman of the NDC 2024 Manifesto Planning Committee
According to Dr. Otokunor, the EC had said the Regional Director gave a report stating that;
“Her life was in danger, and people were about to kill her. People have even kidnapped her and that is why the EC has stopped [the process] and that she doesn’t understand why her life is in danger and the exercise would go on.’’
Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor Chairman of the NDC 2024 Manifesto Planning Committee
He criticized the Regional Director’s expressing shock as to why she would fabricate such lies by giving a false report that seeks to contravene electoral regulations.
Meanwhile, others criticized the decision to relocate the collation to the regional office as unnecessary. He explained;
“The reason why we are in this regional office because of Ablekumah North was that, the coalition center in Ablekumah North was compromised and was an open place. So, we thought that here was secure and that’s why we moved here.
But we didn’t move the jurisdiction of the election to the region. So, the region in the first place has no authority to take control of the elections. By law, it is the returning officer, not even the district Director who is supposed to declare the results.’’
Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor Chairman of the NDC 2024 Manifesto Planning Committee
He concluded with a call for the EC to respect its legal mandate and expedite the process to ensure representation for the people of Ablekuma North.
Moreover, Hon. Sam George, the NDC MP-Elect for Ningo Prampram, looking into the issue at Ablekuma North has also accused the EC of acting beyond its powers under C.I. 127. He strongly refuted claims of chaos at the collation center. He disagreed;
“The military is outside, and there is no chaos here. So why is the EC Claiming there is chaos here?’’
Hon. Sam George NDC MP-Elect for Ningo Prampram
Hon. Sam George revealed that significant progress had been made in the collation process:
“We have done collation for 219 out of 281 polling stations. Both the NDC and NPP agreed that we should proceed. Then Jean Mensa is sitting somewhere and claiming that she’s been told there’s chaos and so she is suspending it.’’
Hon. Sam George NDC MP-Elect for Ningo Prampram
Hon. Sam George accused the NPP of attempting to manipulate the election. He recounted vehemently;
“Some NPP thugs set fire to the EC’s collation sheets and pink sheets. They don’t have even one pink sheet to present.’’ He lamented. Meanwhile, the NDC has secured and authenticated their documents.
He described the diligence of the NDC in safeguarding electoral materials.
“It took the vigilance of Ewurabena Aubynn and our faithful party members to secure the pink sheets we have. The NPP’s realized they’ve lost.’’
Hon. Sam George NDC MP-Elect for Ningo Prampram
As the process continues, the onus remains on the EC to ensure a fair and lawful resolution.
He added that the EC’s actions are unjustified and are robbing Ablekuma North of representation. The delay is unacceptable and must end immediately.
Legal Challenges and Reflections
Addressing the NPP’s intention to challenge the results in court, Hon. Sam George was dismissive.
He stated that any idiot can go to court. However, the NDC is prepared to defend their victory for Ewurabena Aubynn, the duly elected MP for Ablekuma North.
He also reflected on the similar situation in other constituencies, praising the NDC’s ability to secure victories despite challenges.
He pointed out that they secured victory for Baba Sadiq in another constituency. They will continue to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the will of the people prevails.
The events at Ablekuma North reveal significant tensions between the Electoral Commission, political parties, and security forces during the collation and declaration of election results.
Both Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor and Sam George highlighted procedural irregularities and alleged bias by the EC.
Their statements emphasized the critical need for transparency, adherence to electoral laws, and the swift conclusion of the process to maintain public trust and order.
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