Samson Lardy Anyenini, a private legal practitioner and media personality, has emphasized the need for the public to carefully consider the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) allegations regarding the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He highlighted claims of unnecessary and unlawful actions by the NDC that have contributed to the current troubling situation regarding the EC.
Anyenini indicated that the Electoral Commission (EC) has yet to complete the results process and officially Gazette the election outcomes, despite more than a week having passed since the elections.
He stressed that this delay raises significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the adherence to legal requirements.
“The NDC is absolutely right in objecting to the purported REcollation exercises. The EC is wrong in purporting to “annul” any declaration whatever the circumstance giving rise to such declaration and however non-compliant with CI 127”.
Samson Lardy Anyenini
The legal expert further clarified that, according to Act 284, only the High Court has the authority to annul a declaration once it has been made, regardless of any flaws or errors in the process.
He emphasized that this provision is explicit in the law, underscoring the legal limitations and proper procedures for challenging such declarations.
Accordingly, Anyenini firmly asserted that the Electoral Commission (EC) must reject the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) unlawful request to re-collate any results that have already been collated and declared.
He emphasized that such a request could only be entertained if there is a mutual agreement or consensus between the involved parties.
Anyenini stressed that the EC should adhere to the established legal framework and not entertain actions that undermine the integrity of the election process.
Anyenini Calls for EC to Resume Collation
Furthermore, Samson Lardy Anyenini pointed out that the Electoral Commission (EC) must reconvene the election process with adequate security measures in place to ensure a smooth continuation.
He emphasized that the EC should proceed with the collation process in constituencies where it had been halted, whether due to incomplete or unprocessed results.
Once the collation is completed, Anyenini stressed that the EC must promptly declare the results for those constituencies in accordance with the law, ensuring that the electoral process is concluded efficiently and transparently.
“The affected NDC PCs/or JM reps must be invited to any collation exercise. EC knows its own law is emphatic that the refusal by a candidate or rep to attend (i.e. their absence) does not invalidate the declaration”.
Samson Lardy Anyenini
Accordingly, Anyenini emphasized that any unjustified acts, such as intimidation, interference, disruption, assault, and damage to property, must not be allowed to go unpunished.
He emphasized that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and should be addressed with the full force of the law.
Anyenini stressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for any illegal conduct, ensuring that such behaviors do not go unchecked and are dealt with appropriately to maintain the rule of law and fairness in the election process.
NPP Accuses NDC of Disrupting Collation
Meanwhile, at a press conference on Monday, December 16, former NPP National Chairman Peter Mac Manu accused the NDC of intentionally disrupting the collation process in remaining constituencies.
The NPP claimed that the NDC had sent individuals to destroy election materials, such as pink sheets and ballot boxes, attack electoral officers and party representatives, and intimidate anyone who opposed their actions.
“It is shocking that a party claiming victory would destroy the very evidence which is the pink sheets and ballot papers that could validate their success,” he said. “This is not the behavior of winners but of those desperate to hide their defeat.”
Peter Mac Manu
The NPP also reported that these incidents occurred in constituencies such as Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Dome Kwabenya, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Ahafo Ano South West, Akwatia, Suhum, Fanteakwa North, Nsawam Adoagyiri, and Techiman South.
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