Dangerous precedent – MP criticizes EC’s re-collation decision

The Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to conduct a re-collation of parliamentary election results in nine disputed constituencies has sparked sharp criticism from South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor. The lawmaker has described the move as a clear breach of Ghana’s electoral regulations, asserting that the EC is acting beyond its legal mandate. “The only opportunity given […] The post Dangerous precedent – MP criticizes EC’s re-collation decision appeared first on MyNewsGh.

Dec 19, 2024 - 18:40
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Dangerous precedent – MP criticizes EC’s re-collation decision

The Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to conduct a re-collation of parliamentary election results in nine disputed constituencies has sparked sharp criticism from South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.

The lawmaker has described the move as a clear breach of Ghana’s electoral regulations, asserting that the EC is acting beyond its legal mandate.

“The only opportunity given to the Electoral Commission to reconsider the outcome of a parliamentary election is contained in Regulation 42 of CI 127, where there is parity of results,” Dafeamekpor stated emphatically during an interview.

“For instance, if myself and my brother contested in a certain constituency and both obtained 10 votes apiece, then the EC is mandated by law to conduct a rerun of the election. That is the only window given under our laws.”

His comments follow EC Chairperson Jean Mensa’s announcement during a media briefing on Thursday, December 19, where she called for enhanced security from President Nana Akufo-Addo to facilitate the re-collation exercise.

Mensa cited disputes in the original collation processes across the constituencies as the basis for the decision, aiming to ensure transparency and fairness.

However, Dafeamekpor remains unconvinced, suggesting that the re-collation exercise opens a dangerous precedent for electoral malpractice.

“This decision undermines the sanctity of Ghana’s electoral laws. The EC’s role is to ensure the proper conduct of elections and declare results—not to retroactively engage in revisions outside the legal framework,” he argued.

The post Dangerous precedent – MP criticizes EC’s re-collation decision appeared first on MyNewsGh.