As part of efforts to ensure peace in the upcoming general elections, President Akuffo Addo has said political parties should refrain from declaring results before the Electoral Commission.
Speaking at this year’s edition of the Ghana Bar Association’s annual conference which took place in Kumasi, Ashanti Region — the president emphasized that, declaration of election results are the so responsibility of electoral commission and not any political party or ordinary individuals.
“It is imperative that the Electoral Commission remains the sole authority responsible for declaring election results to preserve the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. Political parties must refrain from declaring results before the Electoral Commission does so as this could lead to confusion, misinformation and even potential conflict. The EC’s role as an impartial and independent body ensures that its results reflect the will of the people free from partisan influence.”
In our quest to have peaceful elections, the president is certain that the above mentioned is one of the key challenges that needs critical attention.
Having said that, he also called on the electoral commission to go every length to ensure that there is peace before, during and after the elections.
“The Commission should also ensure that all logistical arrangements are in place to facilitate a smooth voting process that any dispute that may arise is handled expeditiously and transparently.”