The Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has raised serious concerns about the Electoral Commission (EC)’s decision to conduct a re-collation of some parliamentary election results.
The MP described the move as unconstitutional and potentially threatening Ghana’s democratic processes.
According to Dafeamekpor, the EC’s decision to re-collate results is unprecedented and violates the country’s electoral laws, particularly PNDC Law 284 and CI 127.
“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. This re-collation is strange and alien to our laws,” he asserted.
The MP emphasized that once election results have been declared the EC cannot revisit or invalidate them without a court order.
Dafeamekpor referred to the Constitution and CI 127 to back his argument, stressing that any disputes over election results should be resolved in court.
“Article 99 of the Constitution clearly states that the High Court has original jurisdiction in matters concerning parliamentary elections. If the results aggrieve the EC or anyone, they should go to court, not hold press conferences to announce re-collation plans,” he warned
He also cautioned the EC against ignoring ongoing legal processes, revealing that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed lawsuits against the Commission.
Dafeamekpor cited a precedent from the 2020 elections to stress the EC’s inconsistency and questioned why Jean Mensa was now contradicting her previous stance.
He said, “In December 2020, Jean Mensa herself stated in writing that re-collation can only be done before the declaration of results. After the declaration, the only option available is to seek redress in court.”
He issued a stern warning to the EC, urging its officials to operate within the bounds of the law.
“The insistence on re-collation is a direct violation of CI 127. I caution Jean Mensa and the other commissioners that they could face criminal prosecution under Regulation 45 for breaching electoral laws,” he said.
He also highlighted the potential consequences of the EC’s actions on the nation’s stability.
“Imagine the chaos if the EC announced a re-collation of presidential election results. The EC must act responsibly and avoid provoking unnecessary tension.”
The MP called on the judiciary to intervene and halt the EC’s plans.
“We trust the courts to call the EC’s bluff and ensure they conduct themselves in line with the laws governing elections in this country. Jean Mensa cannot be a law unto herself,” he stated.
Dafeamekpor emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace in the country stating, “The EC must remember that their actions today will be scrutinized tomorrow. Ghana deserves better. Let’s ensure our democracy is preserved.”