President-elect John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) to uphold fairness, consistency, and integrity in addressing disputes related to parliamentary election results. This appeal follows the EC’s announcement that it will not uphold the declaration of parliamentary results in nine constituencies, citing irregularities and reports of declarations made under duress.
The affected constituencies include Ablekuma North, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Techiman South, and Dome-Kwabenya, among others.
Mahama expressed concerns about what he described as the EC’s selective application of rules in managing these disputes. He argued that similar cases in the past were handled differently, undermining the commission’s credibility and public trust. The president-elect noted that these inconsistencies risk damaging the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, which has been a hallmark of the country’s democracy.
He referenced the Techiman South case from the 2020 general elections, where the EC declared parliamentary results despite reported irregularities and objections. Mahama questioned why the EC, in the current scenario, is choosing a different path by suspending re-collation processes in these nine constituencies due to procedural breaches and alleged threats to its staff.
Speaking to African ambassadors and high commissioners on December 20, 2024, Mahama emphasized the importance of ensuring that the EC operates transparently and consistently. He argued that the commission must act in a way that reassures Ghanaians of its impartiality and commitment to justice.
“The few outstanding issues arising from the elections where nine constituencies are in dispute should be handled in a principled manner,” Mahama stated. He further noted that shifting approaches based on circumstances or political affiliations creates the perception of bias and undermines confidence in the EC.
Mahama stressed that fairness and justice are essential for Ghana’s democratic process. He urged the EC to engage all political stakeholders in resolving these disputes, ensuring that its decisions are not only fair but also perceived as fair by the public and international observers.
The president-elect was particularly critical of the EC’s decision to suspend the re-collation of results, describing it as inconsistent with the commission’s past actions. He highlighted the case of Techiman South during the 2020 elections, where a declaration was made amidst chaos and reported military interference. Despite calls for a re-collation, the EC maintained that any grievances should be addressed in court.
“You cannot change the rules when it suits you and apply different rules under different circumstances,” Mahama remarked. “In the case of Techiman South, the declaration was made under duress, with soldiers in the collation room causing chaos. Yet, the EC insisted the declaration stood, and any grievances should be resolved through the courts.”
He added, “Now, in these nine constituencies, declarations have been made. If the people have any grievances, they must go to court and address those grievances there. We don’t think the goalpost should be shifted depending on who is at the other end of the stick. There must be fairness and justice in everything we do.”
Mahama’s remarks highlight the importance of consistency in the application of rules by the EC, particularly during critical moments in Ghana’s democratic journey. He cautioned against actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral system, urging the commission to prioritize transparency and accountability.
He also reiterated the need for robust mechanisms to protect Ghana’s democratic institutions, emphasizing that the EC’s actions must inspire confidence among citizens and the international community. According to Mahama, the EC’s credibility hinges on its ability to manage electoral disputes fairly and impartially, without yielding to external pressures.
The disputed parliamentary results have become a contentious issue in Ghana’s political landscape, with various stakeholders demanding clarity and resolution. Mahama’s call for fairness and consistency resonates with many Ghanaians, who view the electoral process as a cornerstone of the country’s democracy.
As Ghana transitions to a new administration, the handling of these disputes will play a significant role in shaping public perception of the EC. International observers have also emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles, noting that the resolution of election disputes must be transparent and inclusive.
Mahama’s comments underscore his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the electoral process remains credible. By urging the EC to act in a principled manner, he seeks to protect the integrity of Ghana’s democracy and promote confidence in its institutions.
The president-elect’s appeal comes at a critical time for Ghana, as the nation grapples with post-election challenges. His emphasis on fairness and justice reflects a broader vision of a united and democratic Ghana, where institutions function transparently and independently.
Mahama’s critique of the EC’s approach serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in public institutions. As the country moves forward, the actions of the EC will be closely scrutinized by both domestic and international stakeholders, making transparency and fairness essential for maintaining public trust.
