We’re not influenced by anyone – EC on Ablekuma North rerun

The Electoral Commission (EC) has rejected claims that it is acting under external influence in its decision to rerun parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North constituency.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, July 10, Deputy EC Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare maintained that the Commission remains independent and is not subject to any political or institutional control.

He described the allegations as baseless and misleading.

“The Commission’s attention has been drawn to unfounded accusations that it has been influenced by certain individuals to pursue the rerun. We state categorically that Ghana’s Electoral Management Body is an independent body and will not be dictated to by any person or institution. Our track records speak for itself,” Dr. Asare said.

The EC explained that the rerun became necessary after it failed to verify pink sheets from the affected polling stations, making it impossible to collate final results.

It assured the public that the process had been transparent, with political party agents present throughout.

Security arrangements have also been confirmed, with the Ghana Police Service and the National Elections Security Taskforce pledging to safeguard voters and EC staff during the exercise.

Despite the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) official boycott of the rerun, its candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Afriyie, has launched her campaign and declared her intent to contest.

Her legal team had earlier filed for an injunction to halt the rerun, but the Accra High Court dismissed the application on Wednesday, July 9.

The EC says it is committed to concluding the election and ensuring the constituency has parliamentary representation.