GIGS criticises EC over results re-collection.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has adjourned the House until January 2, 2025, following the end of the debate on the 2025 budget and economic policy. The postponement comes after several weeks of intense budget negotiations, during which MPs from both sides of the political divide engaged in heated debates about the government's fiscal policies.

During his closing remarks, Bagbin praised MPs for their attention and commitment to the parliamentary process, stating that despite intense debates, they conducted themselves in a manner appropriate for the House. He encouraged MPs to use the break to engage with their constituents and think on the subjects debated in Parliament, with the intention of returning in the new year with new ideas and perspectives.

The adjournment of Parliament comes at a time when the country is dealing with a number of important concerns, including the fallout from the recent general elections. The Electoral Commission (EC) has been the subject of controversy following allegations of anomalies in the results collation process.

The Ghana Integrity and Good Governance Society (GIGS), a civil society organisation, has criticised the EC's handling of the results re-collection procedure. In a statement issued yesterday, GIGS accused the EC of lacking transparency and trust in its efforts to re-collect election results.

According to GIGS, the EC's decision to re-collate the results in some constituencies without consulting with all stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organisations, raises severe questions about the process's integrity. The organisation urged the EC to execute the re-collection exercise in a fair and transparent manner in order to regain public trust in the election process.

GIGS also raised concern about the delays in disclosing the re-collected results, stating that the lack of transparency in the process only helps to raise suspicions and exacerbate tensions among political parties and the general public. The organisation requested that the EC speed the re-collation effort and guarantee that the results are validated and certified by all parties concerned before they are made public.

In response to GIGS's objections, the EC published a statement explaining how it handled the re-collation process. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to holding a free, fair, and transparent election, and assured the public that all essential efforts are being taken to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the re-collected results.

The EC also asked political parties and civil society organisations to desist from making baseless accusations and instead collaborate to ensure the integrity of the voting process. The Commission emphasised that it is working relentlessly to complete the re-collation process and disseminate the results as soon as feasible.

As the country awaits the outcome of the re-collation process, tensions between political parties and the general public remain high. The adjournment of Parliament allows MPs to meet with their constituents while also reflecting on the necessity of sustaining democratic and good governance norms.

It is hoped that all stakeholders will collaborate to guarantee a peaceful and transparent settlement to the electoral issues, as well as to protect the integrity of Ghana's democracy. The next several weeks will be essential in establishing the country's future path, and all parties must act in the best interests of the nation and its residents.