The National Peace Council (NPC) has called for adherence to due process during the collation of election results for three constituencies in the Eastern Region. The results for Akwatia, Nsawam Adoagyiri, and Fanteakwa are currently being tallied at the Tesano Police Training School in the Greater Accra Region after disruptions at earlier collation centers necessitated a relocation of the process.
Background
The Electoral Commission (EC) moved the collation exercise from constituency-level to regional and eventually to national level following reports of destruction, disruptions, and even arson at various centers. The NPC clarified that this decision was solely made by the EC without involvement from political parties or the Ghana Police Service.
Calls for Peace
In a statement, the NPC emphasized the importance of maintaining the safety of all participants in the collation process. It urged political parties to use legal and peaceful avenues to address grievances and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
The council also recommended that the EC hold an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to engage stakeholders and resolve the disagreements. The NPC expressed satisfaction that an IPAC meeting had been convened, marking a step towards resolving the impasse.
Transparency and Public Trust
The NPC encouraged media houses to continue live broadcasts of the collation process, stressing that transparency is essential to maintaining public trust in Ghana's electoral system.
The council reiterated its commitment to peacebuilding and stated its intention to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a peaceful resolution to the ongoing issues.
Upholding Ghana’s Electoral Integrity
The NPC reaffirmed its belief that dialogue, adherence to due process, and respect for democratic principles are critical to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. It highlighted the importance of cooperation among all parties to preserve national peace and stability.
The collation process at Tesano Police Training School serves as a critical test of Ghana’s democratic resilience as stakeholders navigate the challenges to ensure credible and peaceful election results.
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