.jpg)
The recent announcement by the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to rerun the Parliamentary elections in 19 out of 37 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency has ignited a wave of differing opinions across the nation. This decision comes amid a backdrop of political contention, with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporting the EC’s choice, while the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) vehemently opposes it.
Legal analysts have weighed in on the situation, with private legal practitioner Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers expressing significant concerns regarding the EC's rationale. In a recent appearance on TV3’s "Big Issue," Brako-Powers critiqued the Commission’s about-face, questioning the legal grounds for their new approach. "A few months ago, the Commission was eager to conclude the collation exercise in Ablekuma North. Why the sudden U-turn? What changed?" he inquired, highlighting the confusion surrounding the EC's decision-making process.
The rerun has been scheduled for July 11, 2025, a date that has led the NPP to threaten legal action against the Commission. Brako-Powers urged the NPP to pursue this option, citing a pressing need for accountability from the EC. He criticized their actions as “unfair and unprincipled,” referencing a December 20, 2024, High Court order that mandated the completion of collation exercises in both Ablekuma North and the Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituencies. While the EC followed through in Nsawam, the lack of progress in Ablekuma North raises questions.
In his critique, Brako-Powers emphasized the EC’s duty to comply with judicial orders. "If the Commission has challenges in implementing a High Court order, it cannot simply choose to disregard it," he asserted. He also underscored the significance of elections as a reflection of public sentiment, noting that the passage of time can influence voter attitudes.
Read also: Ablekuma North rerun: We’ve instructed our lawyers to challenge EC’s decision in court – NPP
Delving deeper into the technical aspects of the election process, Brako-Powers explained that the validity of results hinges on the signatures of polling agents and presiding officers on the pink sheets used during the elections. He stated that the absence of presiding officers' signatures does not inherently compromise the quality of the election results.
The legal expert pointed out that when the EC originally indicated only three outstanding polling stations required collation, it seemed unjust for the Commission to expand that number to 19 for the rerun. "If the Commission must rerun elections, it should be limited to the three polling stations still pending," he remarked, emphasizing a call for consistency and fairness in the electoral process.
The details regarding the polling stations affected by the rerun highlight the locations where discrepancies were identified. These include God First International School, Darkuman, Pentecost Church Mount Zion Assembly, and several others throughout the Ablekuma North area. The EC determined that the rerun was necessary because the Presiding Officers in these stations could not verify 19 scanned polling station results that had previously been approved by party representatives.
Read also: EC to rerun elections in 19 out of 37 polling stations in Ablekuma North on July 11
In an attempt to bridge the gap between the conflicting parties, the Electoral Commission convened a meeting on July 1, 2025, with representatives from both the NDC and NPP. This session followed an earlier meeting held on June 12, 2025, aimed at addressing new developments related to the re-collation exercise in Ablekuma North. However, it appears that both political parties maintained their original positions during this subsequent dialogue.
From the perspective of the NDC, there is a belief that the election should be rerun in all 37 polling stations, as the scanned pink sheets used in the initial collation were provided by the NPP. Conversely, the NPP contends that the remaining three polling stations should be duly verified and a winner declared based on the already confirmed results, which they assert have been validated by NDC agents.
A press statement released elaborated on the core of the dispute, underscoring that the contention revolves around 37 pink sheets supplied by the NPP, which were scanned copies rather than original documents. This detail has led to varying interpretations of the validity of the results declared in the Ablekuma North constituency.
Read also: EC to rerun elections in 19 out of 37 polling stations in Ablekuma North on July 11
The situation has also drawn public scrutiny, particularly in light of recent events when supporters from various political factions overwhelmed the EC's collation center, resulting in the destruction of materials and raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
You May Also Like
President mahama advocates new petroleum levy as "Difficult but necessary" measure
Upper east region: 21 pregnant candidates and 17 nursing mothers to write the 2025 bece
Private hospitals struggle as grnma strike leads to patient overflow
As the scheduled rerun approaches, the atmosphere remains charged with uncertainty and contention. Observers and constituents alike are keenly following developments, particularly in relation to how the EC will navigate the legal and procedural complexities ahead. It remains to be seen whether the rerun will provide a clear resolution or further entrench divisions within Ghana's political landscape. The stakes are high, not only for the two main political parties but also for the democratic principles that underpin the electoral process in Ghana.
In conclusion, the unfolding saga surrounding the Ablekuma North elections serves as a critical reminder of the intricate interplay between law, politics, and public sentiment in Ghana. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Electoral Commission to uphold integrity and fairness in ensuring that the democratic will of the people is accurately represented. The forthcoming rerun on July 11, 2025, will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in this ongoing electoral saga.
Post a Comment