The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has defended its decision to re-collate election results in nine constituencies, emphasising that such actions are neither new nor unprecedented in the nation’s electoral history.

In a statement posted on its official social media accounts, the EC stressed the importance of re-collation in ensuring fairness and accuracy in election results.

“Re-collation after the declaration of results is not new. It has happened before,” the EC noted, listing several historical examples to support its position:

1998: During district-level elections in the Dompose Kokwaado Electoral Area in the KEEA District, re-collation led to the declaration of the correct winner under the leadership of Dr Afari Gyan.

2004: In the Pru Constituency, a re-collation of parliamentary results overturned an earlier declaration, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate ultimately being declared the winner.

2004: A similar process in the Tolon Constituency rectified discrepancies and ensured the rightful winner was announced.

2004: Re-collation in the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency affirmed the correct outcome.

2004: In the Zabzugu Constituency, re-collation resulted in the declaration of the rightful candidate.

The EC’s decision has ignited public debate, with some questioning the timing of the re-collation and its potential effects on the electoral process.

However, the Commission remains resolute, insisting that the exercise is a necessary step to maintain the credibility of Ghana’s electoral system.

“Re-collation ensures the integrity of the electoral process and aligns with our mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible elections,” the statement added.