The Electoral Commission’s Chairperson, Jean Mensa, has stated that the results of the by-elections in the Kumawu and Assin North seats should serve as an example to political parties not to disrespect the organisation.
She emphasised that the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the procedures that the commission put in place for the 2020 elections were all on display during the two by-elections.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra, Jean Mensa stated that even though people can’t check out the systems during general elections, it’s better for them to focus on polling stations and respect the work of the EC.
“Just like the general election, everything was done at the polling station… So, those allegations that somebody sits at the EC headquarters in Accra to manipulate figures to favour one party over the others must end,” she said.
She went on to say that “The credibility and transparency of the elections are in full glare for all to see, including party agents.”
Mrs. Mensa said that the polling in Kumawu and Assin North was peaceful and well organised, with all polling stations opening promptly at 7 a.m. and being supervised by competent employees.
She also mentioned that the EC made use of its reliable voter verification tools to make sure that everyone who was eligible to vote did so, and that the speed and accuracy of the Biometric Verification Devices (BVD) ensured that no one had to wait around for long to get their vote cast.
According to her, “all in all, the process was credible, fair, and transparent” because, by 1 p.m. on election day, most polling stations had recorded a 60% turnout and the collation processes were open, transparent, and on time.
“Right from the setting up of the polling stations, the arrangement of polling materials, voting, the arrangement and counting of votes, as well as the declaration at the polling station, everything was in the full glare of the public, including observers.”
“We call on the stakeholders, when it does not go in their favour, to accept the results and not bastardise the elections management body, because the processes are transparent and credible… So if you win, you do that fair and square; if you lose, you do that fair and square,” she added.
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