NDC Threatens Legal Action Over EC’s Re-Collation of Parliamentary Seats

In the wake of Ghana’s December 7, 2024, general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has initiated a re-collation and re-declaration of several parliamentary seats, sparking significant controversy. These efforts, which primarily affect constituencies initially declared in favor of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have prompted a strong response from the party. Fifi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the NDC, has expressed serious concerns about the re-collation process and vowed to pursue legal action against what he describes as electoral malpractice.

The Re-Collation Process and Disputed Seats

The EC’s re-collation efforts focus on nine constituencies where electoral results were disputed. These constituencies include Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, Dome-Kwabenya, and Tema Central. The NDC has raised objections, claiming that these re-collation exercises are unlawful. According to the party, once results are officially declared, any disputes should be addressed through the courts, not through subsequent re-collation efforts by the EC.

Despite the NDC’s objections, the re-collation has resulted in the re-declaration of several seats in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Constituencies such as Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, and Techiman South, which were initially declared for the NDC, have now been reassigned to the NPP. Additionally, results in constituencies like Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, and Ahafo Ano North, which were previously incomplete, have now been finalized in favor of the NPP.

This series of changes has intensified the political tensions between the two major parties. The NDC, claiming that the re-collation process violates Ghana’s electoral laws, has vowed to challenge these re-declarations through legal channels.

NDC’s Legal Threat

On December 21, 2024, Fifi Kwetey took to social media to issue a stern warning, stating, “Electoral crimes have no expiry date. After January 7, the time of reckoning will come!” This statement underscores the NDC’s determination to hold those they believe are responsible for undermining the electoral process accountable. Kwetey’s remarks are a clear indication that the party plans to pursue legal action in the future, once the new government is sworn in on January 7, 2025.

READ ALSO: NDC Criticizes EC’s Re-Collation Process Amid Election Disputes

The NDC’s leadership has consistently asserted that the actions of the EC are politically motivated and in favor of the NPP. The party argues that the EC’s re-collation process lacks legal basis and undermines the integrity of the electoral system. Furthermore, the NDC has called for the electoral disputes to be handled strictly within the judicial framework, urging calm and patience as the legal process unfolds.

Tensions Between NPP and NDC

As the re-collation process continues, the political landscape in Ghana remains tense. Both the NDC and NPP are calling on their supporters to stay calm and refrain from violence, with the NPP expressing its confidence in the EC’s re-collation decisions. The NPP has welcomed the re-declarations in their favor, viewing the process as a necessary step to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the election results.

On the other hand, the NDC continues to challenge the EC’s actions, perceiving them as an attempt to manipulate the election outcome in favor of the ruling party. The party maintains that their concerns are grounded in the legal framework and the need to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.

Legal and Political Implications

The never-ending battle between the NPP and the NDC emphasizes the need of transparency, justice, and legal compliance in Ghana’s political procedures. While the former recognizes the idea and its importance, the latter advocates for employing the judiciary to resolve election-related conflicts.

The NDC’s threats to take legal action highlight the gravity of the issue, as the party seeks to avert what it views an unjust conclusion. The party’s resolve to sue the Electoral Commission demonstrates that they would stop at nothing to ensure that justice is served in the case of predicted electoral misconduct.

International Attention and Public Trust

The recollection of election results has piqued the curiosity of many across the world, as watchers closely monitor the political process in Ghana. The international community has emphasized the rule of law and openness in the re-collection process. People’s faith in the voting system is critical for political stability, and the NDC’s legal challenge has the potential to reshape the face of Ghanaian democracy in the coming years.

Ghana’s politics is dealing with the fallout from the December 2024 elections. The Electoral Commission has initiated a re-counting procedure, which has heightened tensions between the NPP and the NDC. While the NPP is overjoyed with the fresh designation of certain parliamentary seats for them, the NDC vehemently opposes what the EC has done and has pledged to pursue legal action. Both parties want peace and to respect the law. The resolution of the electoral dispute will be critical to Ghana’s democratic future.
As the nation prepares for President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2025, rising legal issues are expected to shape the political landscape in the following months. The overriding goal of everyone engaged is to guarantee that the process is transparent, widely understood, and in accordance with legislative regulations, resulting in a strong election system in Ghana.