Security taskforce failed to protect staff during collation process

The Electoral Commission (EC) has criticized the National Elections Security Taskforce for failing to provide adequate protection for its staff during the collation and declaration of parliamentary results for nine outstanding constituencies from the December 7 elections.

The affected constituencies include Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Dome Kwabenya.

The EC stated that collation for some of these constituencies was unlawfully conducted at the constituency level, necessitating a re-collation at the national level.

A re-collation exercise was initiated at the Tesano Police Training School in Accra. However, this process has been suspended due to what the EC describes as inadequate security measures.

Speaking at a press conference, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa expressed concern over the lack of effective security arrangements to protect EC staff.

“Unfortunately, as we have witnessed on TV, images have emerged showing our staff being threatened and made to declare results stemming from incomplete collation processes.

“Unfortunately, this has been in the presence of the police. Though the police have been present at all the collation centres, the supporters of political parties have managed to gain access to the collation centres and have disrupted the collation process,” she stated.

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