In the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 parliamentary elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made serious claims against the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing the body of attempting to manipulate the election results in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). These allegations revolve around the introduction of falsified pink sheets, which the NDC claims contain incorrect vote figures meant to alter the outcome of the election.
The controversy began in the Ablekuma North Constituency, where the initial election results were declared null and void by the EC. The reason for this decision was cited as irregularities in the process. However, despite this invalidation, the final results for the constituency are still not available, creating confusion and suspicion around the integrity of the election. This situation has raised serious concerns among residents and political parties, especially the NDC.
The Returning Officer for Ablekuma North, responsible for overseeing the election results in the area, has since stepped aside. The officer explained that a complete statement of polls was not available to finalize the results. This stepdown has only fueled the NDC’s accusations, with the party suggesting that the EC’s handling of the situation is suspicious and could be part of a larger scheme to manipulate the vote.
Daniel Tornyigah, the NDC’s Director of Elections for Ablekuma North, made strong statements during a press conference on December 26, accusing the EC of being involved in efforts to rig the election. Tornyigah alleged that the EC had been working with certain individuals to alter the voting results in favor of the NPP. According to Tornyigah, returning officers were given instructions to change the figures from polling stations, and EC staff had even contacted presiding officers weeks after the election to either ask for the polling station results or provide them with specific numbers to be recorded. These claims have raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the ongoing process, with Tornyigah emphasizing that such actions are inappropriate and could be illegal.
The NDC official’s accusations suggest that these efforts were not just small mistakes but part of a deliberate attempt to manipulate the election. Tornyigah questioned whether it was legal for EC staff to reach out to presiding officers after the election had taken place, asking them for specific vote figures. This kind of behavior, according to the NDC, casts a shadow over the fairness of the election and calls into question the transparency of the electoral process in Ablekuma North.
Tornyigah warned that the NDC would not remain silent if any attempts were made to tamper with the election results. He emphasized that the party was fully committed to ensuring that the true voice of the people of Ablekuma North was reflected in the election outcome. According to him, the NDC will do everything in its power to ensure that the election results are not manipulated and that the will of the electorate is respected. Tornyigah urged Ghanaians, particularly those in Ablekuma North, to stay vigilant and to resist any efforts to interfere with the election process.
The NDC’s accusations point to a larger issue of distrust surrounding the electoral process in Ghana. The party believes that these alleged attempts at rigging are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of concerns over election fairness in the country. Tornyigah called on the EC to take immediate steps to address the accusations and provide clarity on the re-collation of votes. The NDC is demanding that the EC be transparent about its actions and demonstrate a genuine commitment to holding a fair election.
As tensions rise, the NDC’s statements reflect a growing frustration among opposition parties about the credibility of the 2024 parliamentary election. The NDC’s stance is clear: they will not accept anything less than a fair and transparent election, and they will continue to fight for the rights of the voters.
The party’s concerns are not just about the Ablekuma North constituency but about the larger implications for the entire election process. If these allegations are proven to be true, it could have a significant impact on the perception of the 2024 parliamentary election, casting doubts on the fairness of the entire electoral process. Tornyigah emphasized that the people of Ablekuma North had already made their choice at the polls, and it is essential that their votes are counted accurately and without interference.
While the NDC continues to voice its concerns, the EC has yet to respond in a comprehensive manner to the accusations. The public is waiting for the commission to clarify its actions and address the questions raised by the NDC. The way the EC handles the situation in the coming days will be critical in determining how the public perceives the credibility of the election. The commission’s response will play a major role in ensuring that the election is seen as free, fair, and transparent.
As the 2024 parliamentary election approaches, the situation in Ablekuma North is just one example of the larger debates and concerns surrounding the electoral process in Ghana. The NDC has made it clear that it will continue to fight for the integrity of the election and will not allow the will of the people to be undermined. Ghanaians, as well as the international community, will be closely watching the developments in the coming weeks to see how the EC handles these serious allegations.
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