The head of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has urged Ghanaians to exercise restraint as her outfit works hard to get the results in time for declaration of the 2024 general elections.
According to her, the commission is mandated to announce the results within 72 hours after polls close; hence their inability to announce the results after 23 hours does not breach any regulation.
She called on the general public and political parties to exercise patience as the commission liaises with regional officers to get the results as soon as possible and make the declaration.
Speaking at a press conference held on December 8, 2024, Jean Mensa assured that the electoral process is transparent, and there should not be any panic.
"It has been just 23 hours and we ask that you exercise some patience. The process has been so transparent. I believe that, right from the first few hours after the opening of the polls to date, this is the eighth press conference we have held as part of the 2024 election.
"It has been 23 hours, and we believe that even in the next couple of hours, you would walk with us. You journey with us on the path of transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and inclusiveness.
"As we receive the results from the regions, we assure the citizens that we will work hard in their interests as our key stakeholders to ensure that every vote cast at the polling station counts."
This comes after NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah called on the EC to announce the 2024 election results to calm down tension in the country.
Meanwhile, Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, officially conceded defeat to his main opponent, John Dramani Mahama, in Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election.
Dr. Bawumia made the announcement at a press conference on Sunday, December 8, 2024, emphasizing that his decision to concede defeat was motivated by the need to reduce tension and preserve national peace.
Watch as gun-wielded soldiers fight NDC executive for denying them access to polling center
SB/EK