The chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa, has declared the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. John Dramani Mahama, as the President-elect of the country.
Declaring the result of the presidential election held on Saturday, Mrs. Mensa said on Monday that Mahama polled a total of 6,328,397 million votes representing 56.55 per cent, while Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, garnered 4,657,304 representing 41.61 per cent.
She said that the total number of votes from these constituencies amounted to 947,116 and clarified that even if those figures were added to the votes of the NPP, they would not significantly alter the overall outcome of the election.
Describing the just-concluded elections as credible, transparent, and peaceful, the EC boss affirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding voters’ choice, while adhering to the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and responsiveness.
According to her, the Commission’s proactive measures to enhance public trust in the electoral system, including re-exhibiting the Provisional Voters’ Register for the first time in Ghana’s history.
The report by the Ghanaian Times on Tuesday said that Mrs Mensa explained that the EC opened Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings to live coverage and that the move fostered inclusivity and transparency.
“These initiatives, coupled with the waiving of fees for verifying voter details online, restored confidence in the voter register and reinforced Ghana’s peace,” she added.
The EC Chairperson also recounted the swift response to the leak of a single-page ballot paper, which led to the reprinting of ballots for the Western and Eastern regions within a week.
This decisive action, she noted, demonstrated the EC’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of the election.
Speaking on operational improvements, Mrs. Mensa said that average voter processing times at polling stations reduced to five minutes, compared to longer periods in previous elections.
She attributed this efficiency to the use of reliable biometric verification devices, which ensured a seamless voting experience and maintained the “one man, one vote” principle.
The EC Chairperson reiterated the Commission’s mandate not to favour any political party or individual, but to ensure credible elections that reflect the will of the people.
The success of the 2024 election, according to her, will strengthen trust in Ghana’s electoral processes and serve as a benchmark for the continent.
The EC boss expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their confidence in the electoral process and commended the Commission and all the stakeholders who contributed to the success of the elections for their dedication.
GIK/APA