The 2024 general elections in Ghana have taken an unexpected turn, with accusations of rigging casting a shadow over the results. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency, has openly accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of tampering with the electoral process to secure their significant victories in both the presidential and parliamentary races.
Addressing the issue in a recent press conference, Afenyo-Markin stated that while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) acknowledges its loss, the scale and nature of the NDC’s wins are questionable. According to him, the NPP is undertaking an extensive audit of election results across all constituencies to uncover any irregularities. This effort, he said, would ensure transparency and uphold democratic principles.
One of the most contentious constituencies cited by Afenyo-Markin is Aowin, where he alleged that NPP polling agents were forcibly removed and replaced. Despite this, the NDC candidate won by a slim margin of 92 votes. The NPP leader emphasized that such incidents indicate deliberate manipulation, and he vowed to pursue justice through legal means.
Adding to the controversy, a recent court ruling mandated the Electoral Commission (EC) to resume collation of results for nine disputed constituencies. Following this process, the NPP was declared the winner in seven of these constituencies, reversing earlier declarations in favor of the NDC. However, results from the Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya constituencies remain undecided, leaving the final parliamentary composition uncertain.
As it stands, the NDC holds a commanding lead in parliament with 181 seats, compared to the NPP's 89. Four seats have gone to independent candidates, bringing the total to 274 out of 276 constituencies. The remaining two constituencies will be crucial in determining the final balance of power in Ghana's legislature.
The allegations of rigging have sparked heated debates across the nation, with citizens calling for a thorough investigation into the claims. Transparency advocates have urged the EC and political parties to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process to maintain public trust in Ghana's democracy.
While the audit process is ongoing, the NPP has assured its supporters that it will not relent in its efforts to ensure accountability. Meanwhile, the NDC has denied the accusations, describing them as baseless and an attempt to undermine their legitimate victory.
As tensions mount, all eyes are on the EC and the courts to provide clarity and resolution. The developments in Ghana's 2024 elections underscore the importance of vigilance and fairness in safeguarding the country’s democratic traditions.
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