'There was no shooting incident at any polling stations' – EC rejects CODEO reports

The Electoral Commission (EC), has rejected the attempts by the report of CODEO to link the Electoral commission to the alleged incident of at the private residence of the Parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

At a post-by-election press conference at the EC’s headquarters on Friday, 1 February 2019, the Chairperson of the election management body, Mrs. Jean Mensa, said the Electoral Commission strongly disassociate itself from the alleged acts of violence that occurred at the Bawaleshie Area. Adding that, such shooting incidence did not take place in any of polling stations in the constituencies which in any way disrupted the overall poll.

Intimidation by Security Personnel:

She also stated that the commission rejects the allegation of Intimidation by security personnel. She explained that, the Electoral Commission’s security officers were positioned far well away from the boots giving voters the free will to exercise their votes.

“We wish to reject the assertion that the presence of an armed security personnel; immigration and fire service officials disrupted the conduct of the polls. It is important to stress that none of the EC ‘s security officers in any of the 137-polling stations across the constituencies were armed, giving voters the free will to exercise their rights to vote. Indeed, these security officers were positioned far well away from the boots and did not in any way, in the opinion of the commission serve as intimidation to incoming voters.” She sated.

Attack on the security personnel at the Prisons JHS Polling Station:

According to, the alleged attack on Police Officer at the Prisons by National security and personnel as stated in the CODEO report is untrue. She said the commission has checked with the presiding officers at the polling station as well as the district electoral officer in charge of the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency has proven contrary to.



“The Commission therefore condemns attempts by sections of the society to link it to the alleged acts of violence. As a commission, our focus and our mandate are to conduct credible transparent fair elections that will uphold the will of the people as witnessed in all 137 polling stations. The Commission abhors any form of violence in elections and condemns the violence that took place at the private residence of the Parliamentary candidate of the NDC. We wish to disassociate ourselves from any acts of violence and to state that our security personnel that were deployed to the 137-polling station were peaceful. “She concluded.