CODEO normally gets election results 2 days before EC but we never tell anyone - Albert Arhin
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has asked media organisations to desist from declaring election results ahead of the Electoral Commission's official declaration.
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The coalition is also cautioning that early calls could cause confusion and violence, undermining the legitimacy of the elections.
Speaking to Citi FM in an interview on Tuesday, September 10, the National Coordinator for CODEO, Albert Arhin said it is necessary that every aspect of Ghana's democratic system be protected by following due process.
”The media has a critical role to play in our democracy, but when it comes to election results, the EC must be given space and time by all stakeholders for the official declaration,” Arhin noted.
He disclosed that despite the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) system of CODEO which often gives correct figures before those released by the EC, his coalition always waits for the EC to declare first.
He revealed that while CODEO, through its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) system, often receives accurate results before the EC, the coalition strictly refrains from making them public.
“CODEO normally gets the results about two days before the EC announces them, but we never tell anyone. We keep it to ourselves because we respect the process,” Arhin explained.
He emphasised that only the EC has the legal authority to declare official results, warning that any deviation from this protocol could erode public trust in the electoral system. “It is not necessary for any media house to jump the gun. Let the EC come out and declare the results. Premature announcements could have serious consequences,” Arhin cautioned.
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With Ghana set to go to the polls in 2024, CODEO’s reminder underscores the need for all stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful and transparent election by respecting the electoral process.