The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has entreated media houses to refrain from declaring election results ahead of the Electoral Commission (EC) during the December 7 polls.
The National Coordinator of CODEO, Albert Arhin who issued the caution reiterated the need to maintain the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
According to Mr Arhin, the early declarations by media houses could lead to confusion and unrest among the electorate.
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He highlighted that although CODEO might have access to results before the official declaration, it refrains from making any announcements to adhere to proper protocol.
He further stressed the essential role media outlets play in ensuring a fair democratic process but insisted that they must wait for the EC’s official announcement before reporting any results.
Mr Arhin underscored that only the EC is authorized to declare official election results and any deviation from this protocol could erode public trust in the electoral system.
“It is not necessary. Let the EC come out to declare the results. Let me tell you, CODEO normally gets the results about two days before the EC comes out, but we never tell anybody.
“Through the PVT, we’re able to know who has won the election but we swear and we keep it to ourselves,” Mr Arhin said.
As the December 2024 general elections in Ghana draw near, the spotlight intensifies on the impending choice of the country’s next president.
Scheduled for December 7, 2024, the general elections will determine the president and the Members of Parliament.
Incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo, being term-limited, is ineligible for re-election.
This election carries high stakes as the ruling NPP, led by Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to defy the tradition of power alternation between the NPP and the NDC every eight years.
On the other hand, the NDC, under the leadership of former President John Mahama, is making a strong comeback and is determined not to face defeat for the third time after losses in the 2016 and 2020 elections to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Several other presidential candidates have declared their intention to contest the 2024 elections.
They include Dr. Hassan Ayariga, representing the All People’s Congress (APC), Kofi Akpaloo, leader and founder of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar representing The New Force Movement, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen who is the Leader of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC), among others.