General News of Tuesday, 9 December 2008

Source: GNA

Mahama: EC slow in declaring results

Accra, Dec. 9, GNA - Mr. John Dramani Mahama, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Tuesday observed that the Electoral Commission (EC) had been slow in declaring the results of Sunday's election.

Speaking to journalists after visiting the campaign office in Accra, Mr Mahama, however, noted that there were a few areas whose results were yet to arrive, mentioning the Afram Plains North Constituency, as an instance. He reiterated the party's readiness for a run-off adding that, "in case we have to go for a run-off, we will win massively".

Earlier in the day, a group of party fans and supporters in a jubilant mood trouped to the campaign office, saying the party had by all indications won the elections and called on the EC to release the results immediately. However, to avert any clash in the community, the police sealed off the road leading to the party's campaign office and prevented the jubilation.

Chief Superintendent Elisabeth Dassah, Accra East Divisional Commander, told journalists that the police upon information that some people were being brought by the constituency Chairman of Ledzokuku to celebrate what she called "the victory", had to come in to avoid any possible mayhem. She said: "The problem was lack of communications and if there were any march that had been communicated to the police, there would not be any need for a blockade." She advised supporters to be careful of the celebration of any victory since that could cause mayhem.