The Supreme Court is set to hear a case today, December 27, 2024, brought by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), challenging a High Court ruling that ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to collate and re-collate parliamentary results in six constituencies.
This legal battle stems from a December 20 decision by the Accra High Court, which directed the EC to finalize and announce results in Tema Central, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central.
Justice Rev. Fr Joseph Adu Owusu Agyemang presided over the case and further instructed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security at the collation centres.
The ruling followed successful mandamus applications filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates from the affected constituencies, who argued that finalizing the results was essential to comply with electoral laws.
However, the NDC and its parliamentary candidates swiftly filed a certiorari application with the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the High Court’s decision. They argued that the ruling violated natural justice, as their candidates were not granted a hearing before the mandamus orders were issued.
The NDC also claimed the High Court erred by not compelling the NPP candidates to notify them of the mandamus applications, as required under Order 55 rule 5(2) of C.I. 47.
This dispute comes amid the EC’s ongoing efforts to address anomalies from the December elections. The commission previously announced plans to re-collate results in nine constituencies, citing irregularities and concerns over duress during the initial process.
As of December 21, re-collation in seven constituencies has concluded, with NPP candidates emerging victorious. The remaining results for Dome-Kwabenya and Ablekuma North are yet to be finalized.
Today’s Supreme Court hearing is expected to determine whether the High Court’s orders will stand or be quashed, marking a critical juncture in the nation’s electoral process.
