Accra High Court sets January 4 for rulings on contentious parliamentary disputes
The Accra High Court has concluded hearings on disputed election cases from four constituencies: Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North. Following heated legal arguments from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Electoral Commission (EC), the court has scheduled its judgment for Saturday, January 4, at 12 p.m.
Tema Central Case
In Tema Central, NPP lawyer Gary Nimako argued that the collation process was incomplete and riddled with inconsistencies, leaving results from two polling stations unaccounted for. Nimako claimed that the NDC, which has declared victory, failed to provide the necessary pink sheets to validate their claim. The EC supported this stance, requesting the court’s permission to complete the collation process.
However, NDC counsel Edudzi Tamakloe opposed the application, arguing that if the declaration violated election laws under C.I. 147, the appropriate action would be an election petition, not a mandamus application. He highlighted a letter from the NPP candidate acknowledging the declaration and stated that mandamus could not be invoked without evidence of a demand made and denied by the EC.
Okaikwei Central Dispute
Similar issues arose in Okaikwei Central, where NPP candidate Patrick Boamah alleged that only 110 of the 148 polling stations were considered when declaring NDC’s Baba Sadiq as the winner. The EC supported Boamah’s claim, admitting that only 78% of polling stations were accounted for in the results.
Tamakloe, representing the NDC, argued that Boamah’s communication to the EC acknowledged the declaration and sought its revocation, which must be pursued through an election petition. He maintained that mandamus was inapplicable since the EC had already carried out its duty, albeit with alleged irregularities.
Other Constituencies
For Techiman South and Ablekuma North, the NPP requested that the court decide based on submitted evidence, including video recordings. The EC raised no objections but emphasized the need for a thorough review of all materials. The NDC insisted on separate arguments for each constituency, citing critical issues requiring individual consideration.
The court’s decision on these cases will undoubtedly have significant implications for the political landscape, as both parties await the outcome with anticipation.
By: Linda Akite
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