NDC parliamentary candidate for Tema Central, Ebi Bright, has filed a petition in the High Court challenging the election of Charles Forson as a Member of Parliament. Bright claims that the results which led to Forson being declared the winner do not accurately reflect the true outcome of the polls.
According to the petition, the results included discrepancies from three polling stations that were fraught with irregularities. Bright alleges that the original pink sheets for these three polling stations, which are in the custody of the Electoral Commission (EC), bear the names and signatures of the presiding officers, while the duplicates provided to the NDC do not have the same information. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the validity of the results declared.
Bright further contends that the total number of votes obtained by the candidates on the three original pink sheets does not tally with the total valid votes or the overall votes counted in the constituency. She asserts that these irregularities compromise the credibility of the election results and therefore requests that the court invalidate the results from the three contested polling stations. Bright is seeking to overturn the declaration of Charles Forson as a Member of Parliament based on these claims.
In addition to her primary request, Ebi Bright has asked the court to refer to earlier results that excluded the three disputed polling stations, which had originally seen her declared as the Member of Parliament. In the alternative, she is requesting that the court orders a re-run of the elections in the three polling stations in question to ensure a fair and accurate electoral process.
The context surrounding this petition is significant, particularly given the ongoing scrutiny of the Electoral Commission’s role in ensuring fair elections. On January 4, an Accra High Court directed the EC to complete the collation of results from two outstanding polling stations for the Tema Central constituency. This directive was a response to mandamus applications filed by candidates from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in affected constituencies, compelling the EC to fulfill its statutory obligations.
Justice Forson Agyapong, presiding over the cases, explained the legal basis for mandamus applications. He cited jurisdictional lapses, legal errors, and breaches of natural justice as valid grounds for the court’s intervention. Justice Agyapong emphasized that the EC has a public duty to execute its responsibilities impartially and in accordance with the law, highlighting the importance of transparency and accuracy in the electoral process.
In the case of Tema Central, the court found that the EC had failed to fulfill its duty by excluding the results from the two polling stations. Justice Agyapong clarified that only the declaration made by the returning officer is legally valid and directed the EC to complete the collation process at its Accra Regional Office. This ruling underscored the judiciary’s role in safeguarding electoral integrity and ensuring that all votes are counted fairly.
Following the court-ordered collation, Charles Forson of the NPP was confirmed as the winner of the parliamentary race, having secured 18,870 votes, narrowly defeating the NDC candidate Ebi Bright, who garnered 18,815 votes. An independent candidate, Frederick Aniagyei, received 209 votes. The total valid votes cast amounted to 37,894, with 144 ballots rejected, bringing the overall total votes to 38,038.
The close nature of the election results, with a mere 55 votes separating Forson and Bright, has intensified the scrutiny of the electoral process in the Tema Central constituency. Bright’s petition reflects a growing concern among candidates and the public regarding the accuracy and transparency of the electoral outcomes, especially in light of the alleged irregularities presented in her case.
As the High Court prepares to consider Bright’s petition, the implications of the case extend beyond the immediate electoral outcome. The case underscores the critical importance of ensuring that electoral processes are conducted with the utmost integrity and that any irregularities are addressed promptly and effectively. The outcome of Bright’s challenge could set a precedent for how electoral disputes are resolved in Ghana, particularly in instances where candidates allege misconduct or discrepancies in the results.
Ebi Bright’s legal challenge is also indicative of broader tensions within Ghana’s political landscape, where allegations of electoral malpractice have become increasingly common. The outcome of this petition will not only determine the fate of the parliamentary seat in Tema Central but also impact public confidence in the electoral process and the role of the Electoral Commission in upholding democratic principles.
As the case unfolds, the attention of political analysts, party supporters, and the general public will be focused on the proceedings in the High Court. Many will be looking to see how the judiciary balances the interests of upholding electoral integrity with the political realities of a closely contested election.
Ultimately, Ebi Bright’s petition represents a call for accountability and fairness in Ghana’s electoral system. The court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for all parties involved and for the democratic process in Ghana as a whole. As the situation develops, the need for transparency, accuracy, and fairness in the electoral process remains paramount, ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard and respected in the democratic process.
In conclusion, the petition filed by Ebi Bright challenges not only the legitimacy of Charles Forson’s election but also serves as a crucial test for Ghana’s electoral system. It brings to light significant issues regarding the conduct of the Electoral Commission and the importance of ensuring that elections are free from irregularities and are reflective of the true will of the people.
The resolution of this case will be instrumental in shaping the future of electoral integrity in Ghana.
