Mahama files closing address as directed by court

The petitioner John Dramani Mahama in the ongoing election petition has filed his closing address after much hesitation.

This comes after the seven-member panel of the Supreme Court gave them a day-ultimatum.

Also, the respondents had earlier filed their closing arguments in adherence to the Supreme Court’s directive.

The duo, Electoral Commission and President Nana Akufo-Addo filed their statements on February 17, 2021.

This means the way is clear for the apex court to deliver its final ruling on March 4, 2021.

The Chief Justice Anin Yeboah notified the public of their decision after proceedings on Monday, February 22, 2021.

The petition filed by Mr Mahama sought to challenge the December 7 election results declared in favour of the New Patriotic Party candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo.

It was the case of the petitioner that none of the 12 presidential candidates attained the 50 plus one mark, per the constitution.

Although the EC said the NPP candidate garnered 51.59 percent of the votes as against Mahama’s 47.37 percent, the petitioner insists that is not a true reflection of the December 2020 polls.

Among other things, the former president and flagbearer wants the court to set aside the declaration made by the EC Chairperson Jean on December 9.

He also urged the court to declare as ‘unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever, the results declared on the said day.

Mr Mahama further wants the court to order the Electoral Commission to organise a rerun between him and the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo.