The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced a rerun of the Council of State elections for the North East and Ashanti Regions, scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025. This decision follows separate incidents that rendered the initial election process inconclusive in both regions, necessitating a fresh vote to determine the final outcome.
In the North East Region, the rerun has been triggered by a tie between two candidates, each securing six votes. According to the EC, the deadlock makes it impossible to declare a winner, requiring a second round of voting to break the tie and determine who will represent the region on the Council of State.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Region’s rerun has been necessitated by chaotic scenes that erupted during the counting of ballots, disrupting the process and preventing the declaration of a winner. Eyewitnesses reported heightened tensions at the counting center, leading to a situation where election officials could not conclude the collation of results. The EC has since described the incident as an unfortunate disruption that must be addressed with a transparent and orderly rerun.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 12, the Electoral Commission confirmed that it has formally written to the Ghana Police Service and copied the National Election Security Taskforce, requesting enhanced security measures at the election venues to prevent any disturbances during the rerun. The statement emphasized the EC’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent process, with adequate security to safeguard the integrity of the election.
“The Electoral Commission has taken the necessary steps to guarantee a smooth and credible rerun of the elections in the North East and Ashanti Regions. We have formally engaged the Ghana Police Service and the National Election Security Taskforce to provide adequate security at the designated election venues. We are confident that these measures will ensure a peaceful process without interference,” the statement read.
Election stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and traditional leaders, have been urged to support the EC’s efforts in maintaining peace and order. The Commission further appealed to all candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and respect the electoral process to ensure a credible outcome.
The rerun of the elections has sparked discussions among political analysts, who believe that the process in these two regions is crucial, given the role of the Council of State in advising the President on governance matters. The Council’s representatives are expected to provide strategic insights on policy decisions, making their selection a matter of significant national interest.
Concerns have also been raised over the security of the electoral process, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where the previous disruptions heightened tensions. Some observers argue that the EC must take stronger measures to prevent any recurrence of violence, as such incidents could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
A senior political analyst, commenting on the situation, noted, “The Electoral Commission must ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent any further disruptions. The credibility of this rerun is critical, as it will set the tone for future elections. If people believe that the process is fair, they will accept the outcome, regardless of who wins.”
The EC has assured the public that every effort is being made to guarantee transparency, fairness, and orderliness. Reports indicate that additional security personnel will be deployed to the affected regions, and independent election observers are expected to monitor the process to ensure compliance with electoral regulations.
Meanwhile, political parties and candidates contesting in the elections have been urged to educate their supporters on the importance of maintaining peace. The EC has reiterated that any form of misconduct or attempt to disrupt the process will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
A candidate in the North East Region, speaking on the upcoming rerun, expressed confidence in the process, stating, “We believe the Electoral Commission is doing its best to ensure fairness. All we ask for is a free and fair contest, and we will accept the results in good faith.”
Similarly, in the Ashanti Region, stakeholders have called for calm ahead of the elections. A traditional leader in the region noted that the disruptions witnessed earlier should not be repeated, emphasizing that all parties must work together to uphold the integrity of the process.
Security experts have also weighed in, stressing that election-related violence poses a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic progress. One expert stated, “Electoral violence has the potential to undermine democracy. It is important for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and ensure that the elections are conducted in an orderly manner.”
With just days to the scheduled rerun, expectations are high regarding how the elections will be conducted and whether the process will be devoid of controversy. The Electoral Commission has reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and transparent process and urged all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure a successful outcome.
Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding these elections, the incident in the Ashanti Region has reignited discussions about the need for stricter measures to handle electoral disruptions in Ghana. Some civil society organizations have called for legal reforms that will impose severe penalties on individuals or groups who attempt to disrupt electoral processes.
A governance expert suggested that technology could play a role in improving election security and reducing tensions. “Electronic voting and real-time monitoring could help minimize disputes and enhance the credibility of the process. Ghana should consider adopting more technological solutions to prevent such issues in the future,” he stated.
The EC’s handling of this rerun will be closely monitored, as it is expected to influence public perceptions of the Commission’s ability to conduct credible elections. With general elections on the horizon, the manner in which this rerun is managed will serve as a litmus test for the EC’s preparedness for larger electoral contests.
As Ghana continues to uphold its democratic principles, the upcoming rerun serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness and order in electoral processes. The EC’s handling of this situation will not only shape perceptions of its efficiency but also set a precedent for future elections.
