EC appeals for patience, cites legal 72-hour window for Presidential results declaration  

The Electoral Commission (EC) has called on the public to exercise patience as it works within the legally mandated 72-hour window to declare the presidential results of the 2024 elections.

Speaking at a press conference today, the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, reassured Ghanaians that the process was proceeding meticulously and in accordance with the law to ensure the accuracy of the results.  

“The process is elaborate. It is inclusive. It involves the political parties and observers at every step to ensure that what comes up at the end of the day is accepted by all candidates and citizens as well,” Mrs Mensa said.  

Her remarks follow concerns raised by some members of the public and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who accused the EC of delays in announcing the results.  

Progress report

So far, the EC has received collated results from three regions: Ahafo, Central, and Western, leaving 13 regions still outstanding. Mrs Mensa clarified that the process requires a deliberate and methodical approach to ensure the accuracy of the results.  

Elaborate process

Mrs Mensa explained that while political parties gain immediate access to pink sheets at polling stations, the EC must follow a more detailed process.  

Results are first collated and approved at the constituency level, then transferred to regional collation centres for further collation and approval by party agents. Only after these steps are completed are the results transmitted to the national collation centre via fax. At the national level, results must again be verified and approved by party agents before the EC Chairperson, as the returning officer for the presidential election, can formally declare them.  

“Citizens should exercise patience. It’s just been 23 hours. The process is elaborate, and it ensures the will of Ghanaians as expressed at the polling stations prevails,” she said.  
  
The EC said it remains committed to ensuring that the electoral process is transparent and credible. With the collation process still ongoing, Mrs Mensa appealed to all Ghanaians to allow the EC to complete its work within the constitutionally mandated timeframe.