High court sets 4 January for ruling on four electoral disputes
The High Court has fixed 4 January 2025, to deliver its judgment regarding a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over election disputes in four constituencies: Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North. The ruling follows the dismissal of an objection by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which challenged the … The post High court sets 4 January for ruling on four electoral disputes appeared first on Asaase Radio.
The High Court has fixed 4 January 2025, to deliver its judgment regarding a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over election disputes in four constituencies: Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.
The ruling follows the dismissal of an objection by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which challenged the court’s authority to hear the case.
NPP’s Arguments
Lawyers for the NPP, led by Gary Nimako, argued that the Electoral Commission (EC) must complete the collation of results in the disputed constituencies. Nimako said the collation process, which began on December 8, 2024, had been unreasonably delayed.
“The constituents have a right to know the results and their elected representatives,” Nimako stressed.
He also dismissed claims by the NDC that results were already declared, stating there was no evidence to support such claims. Referring to video evidence in the Tema Central case, Nimako pointed out that the declaration was allegedly made by someone other than the EC’s returning officer, which he said violated electoral laws.
He cited Regulation 43 of C.I. 127, which mandates that election results must be properly documented using Forms 1C and 1D. Nimako argued that the absence of these forms confirmed that lawful declarations were not made.
The Electoral Commission, represented by Justin Amenuvor, supported the NPP’s application. Amenuvor admitted that collation in the affected constituencies was incomplete and called on the court to direct the EC to finalize the process. He warned that allowing incomplete processes to stand could set a bad precedent for future elections.
NDC’s Position
The NDC, represented by lawyer Godwin Tameklo, opposed the application.
Tameklo argued that a mandamus order requires proof that a formal demand was made and refused, which he said had not happened in this case.
He also referenced the video evidence, asserting that a declaration had already been made in Tema Central.
According to Tameklo, any challenge to the validity of this declaration should be resolved through an election petition, not a mandamus application.
What’s Next
The High Court’s ruling is expected to clarify the EC’s responsibilities in election disputes and outline the proper procedures for addressing grievances in the affected constituencies.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom
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The post High court sets 4 January for ruling on four electoral disputes appeared first on Asaase Radio.