NDC accuses trial judge of bias over order to re-collate outstanding parliamentary results

Politics
NDC accuses trial judge of bias over order to re-collate outstanding parliamentary results
Source: Myjoyonline.com
27 December 2024 3:00pm

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the High Court judge who ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate election results in nine disputed constituencies of bias and procedural errors.

The December 20 ruling, which arose from a mandamus application by New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates, directed the EC to re-collate results in constituencies where irregularities were alleged. The NPP argued that discrepancies in tabulated results necessitated verification to uphold transparency and accuracy.

While some have lauded the decision as reinforcing the EC’s constitutional role in ensuring credible elections, the NDC has described it as controversial and legally flawed.

The EC complied with the court’s directive in seven constituencies, but the re-collation processes for Dome-Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remain incomplete.

During Supreme Court proceedings on December 27, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, criticised the High Court’s ruling, arguing that it violated principles of natural justice.

Mr Tamakloe claimed the NDC was denied the opportunity to present its case, which significantly influenced the outcome of the decision.