The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed its members and supporters to avoid gathering at Electoral Commission (EC) re-collation centers in nine disputed constituencies. The decision, according to party insiders, was part of a strategy to avoid potential chaos and safeguard Ghana’s democratic transition.
The re-collation process, which has so far declared seven out of the nine disputed constituencies in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has sparked controversy, with the NDC rejecting the results and alleging irregularities.
Rumors have emerged that the incumbent NPP administration were prepared to use unrest at the re-collation centers as grounds to declare a state of emergency under the 1992 Constitution. Such a declaration would effectively suspend normal governance and potentially delay the swearing-in of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, which is scheduled for January 7.
President-elect Mahama himself has called on NDC supporters to avoid the re-collation centers, urging calm and restraint. He emphasized the importance of peace and reassured supporters that the party’s leadership would handle the disputes through legal and institutional channels.
The NDC’s Director of Elections, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, echoed this sentiment in a post on Fcaebook, stating, “Don’t give the despotic NPP government an opportunity to declare their much-desired state of emergency! 7th January is just here. We shall right the wrongs!”
The party’s directive and public statements reflect a deliberate effort to deny the NPP any justification for extraordinary measures while preparing for post-inauguration legal challenges. Party sources suggest the NDC plans to seek legal nullification of the re-collated results in the seven constituencies declared for the NPP, potentially leading to by-elections where the NDC hopes to regain those seats in addition to their overwhelming parliamentary majority.
By avoiding confrontation at the re-collation centers, the NDC has demonstrated restraint, prioritizing the stability of Ghana’s democratic process over immediate political gains. With the January 7 inauguration approaching, the party is focused on a long-term strategy to address its grievances through lawful means.
The Way Forward After January 7?
The NDC’s next line of action after January 7 is expected to focus on challenging the legitimacy of the re-collated results through the legal system. InsiderGH.com sources have it that the party will file lawsuits to seek nullification of the results in the seven constituencies declared for the NPP, citing alleged irregularities during the re-collation process. The goal is to have these parliamentary seats declared vacant and trigger by-elections.
In addition to legal challenges, the NDC is expected to leverage its control of the executive branch after President-elect John Dramani Mahama is sworn into office. With the state machinery at its disposal, the party plans to ensure that the by-elections are conducted under strict scrutiny to prevent any alleged manipulations that might have occurred during the initial process.
Furthermore, the NDC has vowed to hold accountable all individuals and institutions they believe played a role in what they describe as electoral injustices. This includes pursuing investigations into the actions of Electoral Commission officials and other actors during the disputed re-collation process. Party insiders say these steps are necessary to restore public confidence in Ghana’s democracy and ensure that future elections are free from controversy.
In a brief but pointed post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Kwetey signaled that justice would be served after the anticipated transfer of power on January 7, 2025 when H. E. John Dramani Mahama is sworn into office.
According to him, “Electoral crimes have no expiry date. After January 7, the time of reckoning will come.”
Source: InsiderGH.com