We are deeply concerned about the recent allegations made by the New Patriotic Party parliamentary hopeful in the Yendi constituency, Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, regarding the conduct of an official of the Electoral Commission (EC) during the parliamentary primaries.
According to Hajia Abibata, an EC official was accused of attempting to pocket ballot papers bearing her name, with the alleged intention of reducing her votes. This purported incident led to a disruption in the counting process and sparked violence in the Yendi constituency on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
In her interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Hajia Abibata raised concerns about the lack of transparency during the sorting and counting of votes. She claimed that the EC official in question was hoarding and destroying her ballot papers, which ultimately led to chaos at the polling station.
Furthermore, she asserted that as a result of the disrupted counting process and alleged ballot paper destruction, the New Patriotic Party currently does not have a parliamentary candidate for the Yendi constituency.
It is noteworthy that Hajia Abibata has petitioned the party leadership to address this issue, seeking resolution and clarification on the integrity of the electoral process in Yendi.
In response to these events, it is important for all relevant parties to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The integrity of democratic elections must be upheld, and any reported irregularities should be addressed with urgency and impartiality.
Additionally, it is crucial for the Electoral Commission to conduct a thorough review of the incident and provide a clear and comprehensive account of the events that transpired during the Yendi constituency primaries.
We also acknowledge the statement issued by the EC distancing itself from the Yendi results and emphasizing that the results have not been declared yet. This underscores the need for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misconduct to uphold the credibility of the electoral process.
As we await further developments on this matter, it is imperative for all stakeholders involved to prioritize transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles in order to uphold the integrity of the electoral system.
We urge for a swift and impartial resolution to this issue in order to uphold the democratic values and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process for all parties involved.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Mamle Maaku | Ghana Crimes
