Accra, Dec. 8, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC), one of two major parties contesting for Election 2008, on Monday said it had not in anyway manipulated the election results.

It said it had also not in any way made any wrong claim of winning the election as alleged by the ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP).

"We of the NDC have done no such thing. However, as a respect to people, we will act to ensure that the voice of the people is respected and that the election results accurately reflect the will of the people," the NDC said in a statement by Mr Koku Ayidoho, Head of Communications of the Prof. John Evans Atta Mills campaign. The statement said the NDC had previously asked all parliamentary candidates to forward the final results for each constituency based on the final results declared at the collation centre and the Electoral Commission.

In a list attached to the statement NDC indicated that by the results confirmed by EC, in respect of the parliamentary elections, they were victorious.

"We know that as a result, there is no way the NPP can win these elections."

The party said it will be surprising if any subsequent announcement would present any different results and called on the EC to ensure that the integrity of the elections was respected.

It also called on the EC to ensure the results were released on time.

The party made reference to the recounting of vote that took place in the Ayawaso Central Constituency and, in a strong objection, said the election law made it quiet clear that ballots were to be recounted at the polling stations and any challenge at the constituency or the collation centre should be in respect of a particular ballot paper. "The situation where a minister of state in the NPP can order a total recount of the ballot contrary to the provision of the election law is most unfortunate and we are surprised, the election officers present and the EC allowed this to happen," the release said. The NDC said it had been informed that a security meeting had taken place in a premise at Ridge in Accra where it was decided by the leadership of the Security Services that they would assist the EC to declare the results of the elections in favour of the NPP presidential candidate.

The NDC said it had been informed that it was decided that in event of any public protest such actions were to be put down forcefully by the military and a state of emergency declared in order to maintain the NPP in power.

It assured all Ghanaians that the wind of change blowing was blowing for real but requested all its members to be calm, vigilant and wait patiently for the results to be declared.

"We have shown before that we are an example to the continent of Africa as far as our democracy is concerned, and we of the NDC will ensure that we do our part to uphold and protect that legacy," the statement said.