“You cannot change the rules when it suits you and apply different rules under similar circumstances” – Mahama to EC

John Dramani Mahama, the president-elect, has warned that the use of selective rules erodes public confidence and the legitimacy of the electoral process and urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to handle the contested parliamentary results from nine constituencies fairly, openly, and consistently.

The EC recently declared that it will not confirm parliamentary results in Ablekuma North, Dome-Kwabenya, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, and Techiman South, citing allegations that certain declarations were made under duress.

Mahama criticized this judgment, claiming that it was made with unfair discrimination.

“You cannot change the rules when it suits you and apply different rules under similar circumstances,” Mahama said.

He went on to say: In the 2020 Techiman South case, the EC made it quite evident that the courts were the proper channel for redress and that they had no jurisdiction to decide issues if a declaration had been made.

Speaking to African ambassadors and high commissioners on Friday, December 20, Mr. Mahama cited the chaotic circumstances preceding the announcement of results in Techiman South during the 2020 general election as evidence of the EC’s uneven approach to electoral matters.

“There was chaos in the collation room when the declaration was made, and arguments were raised for a re-collation. The EC rejected these calls at the time.

“Now, in similar circumstances, declarations have been made, but the commission is adopting a different position,” Mr. Mahama said.

Citing alleged threats to its employees and procedural violations, he also criticized the EC’s decision to stop recollecting results in the nine constituencies. He maintained that these discrepancies harm the EC’s and the election process’s overall credibility.

“The outstanding issues in these nine constituencies must be handled in a principled and impartial manner by the EC.

“We do not believe the rules should be changed depending on who stands to benefit. There must be fairness and justice in everything we do,” Mahama said.

He further underlined the need of preserving Ghana’s democratic institutions and encouraged the EC to work with all political stakeholders to guarantee that justice is not only carried out but also perceived as such.

“If people have grievances, they must seek resolution in court. This is the precedent the EC set in 2020, and it must uphold this standard now,”Mahama stated.

Mr. Mahama also reaffirmed the importance of accountability and openness in the EC’s operations, pointing out that doing so is essential to fostering public trust and upholding the confidence of both the general public and the international community.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com