Manasseh Azure Awuni: NDC's Tactless Move Exonerated Electoral Commission of Blame

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been basking in the glory of its decisive win in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. However, this celebratory mood should not overshadow the critical voices speaking out against the danger the winning party nearly plunged Ghana into.

The voting process on December 7 was peaceful, with only a handful of isolated incidents. The ballots were sorted and counted in the presence of party agents, election observers, the media, and the general public. The results were announced at the polling stations and recorded on video cameras.

The controversy arose during the collation of polling station results at the constituency centers. The NDC's National Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, called on supporters to throng the constituency collation centers to protect the party's votes. This move was deemed needless and irresponsible, as the NDC already had accredited representatives at the collation centers.

The ensuing chaos delayed the collation process, and the EC eventually got court clearance to re-collate the parliamentary results of nine constituencies. So far, the Commission has re-collated seven constituencies and declared NPP candidates winners in all seven.

It's essential to note that the disturbances at the collation centers and the delay should be blamed on the NDC, not the EC. The massing up of party supporters delayed collation, and if the NPP had also massed up supporters, the situation could have escalated.

The EC has lost credibility in recent years, but it's crucial to recognize that the Commission alone cannot be responsible for peaceful elections. The political parties, security, the general public, and the courts all play key roles.

Ghana's electoral process is more transparent than those in advanced democracies like the United States. However, the country's lack of trust in institutions and citizens is a significant challenge. The 2024 election crisis highlights the need for honest discussions and accountability from all stakeholders involved.

Blame