EC decision to go to Christmas holidays unacceptable – OSC | Politics

Seven civil society organizations (CSOs) have urged the Electoral Commission to review its decision to take a month-long leave after the December 7 general elections.

CSOs consider it unacceptable that the EC is in recess given that many problems have arisen in the outcome of the elections.

CSOs include the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the Center for Democratic Development (CDD), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC). ) and Norsaac.

EC’s senior management will remain in office during the Christmas holidays
“At an emergency meeting of civil society organizations (CSOs) to assess the current post-election political stalemate, we noted with concern a circular signed by EC Vice President (Corporate Services), Dr. Bossman E. Asare, suggesting that the Electoral Commission (EC) could go into recess from December 23, 2020 to January 19, 2021, “CSOs said in a statement.

“Given the current post-election context and emerging issues, some of which may require your attention, we find it unacceptable that the EC should close down at this critical time at this critical time, and without any clarification to the public of the alternative arrangements to be made. have established “.

EC break

The EC had indicated yesterday in a circular that it will go to a Christmas and New Year break on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

A statement signed by EC Vice President, Corporate Services, Dr. Bossman E. Asare, said that the Commission will resume its functions on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

“Following the successful and peaceful conduct of the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, the Administration has decided that the Commission will pause for Christmas and New Years on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 and resume its functions on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.” said the circular.

President Akufo-Addo won the presidential elections with 6,730,413 votes, representing 51.302% of the total valid votes cast. His main opponent, Mr. John Dramani Mahama of the Democratic National Congress (NDC) obtained 6,214,889 votes representing 47.359 percent of the valid votes cast.

However, Mr. Mahama and the NDC have disputed the results of the presidential elections and called for an independent audit. The former described the elections as “the most incompetent elections that we (Ghanaians) have ever had.”

Members of the NDC have also participated in street protests against the results.

Resend the request

On Tuesday December 22, some minority NDC MPs clashed with the police while trying to petition the EC about some concerns they had about the election.

The minority headed by its leader, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, could not present the 21-point request to the EC yesterday because neither the president nor any official were present to receive it.

Later, the EC in a statement said that the parliamentarians did not give them prior notice of the petition.

Since then, CSOs have urged the minority to resubmit their petition to the EC for review.

“In light of the EC’s response that it received the notification late and that it holds the institution of Parliament in high regard, we urge the minority to resubmit its petition and the results it has obtained from the EC so as soon as possible for swift action, “said CSOs.

“We call on the EC to activate mechanisms for inclusive dialogue with stakeholders as part of the electoral management process.”