MAHAMA APPEALS TO PEACE COUNCIL, CHIEFS, AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS OVER ALLEGED ELECTION RIGGING SCHEME
Former President and flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of aiding the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in a purported plot to rig the December 7, 2024, general elections.
In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Mahama claimed the EC’s alleged actions are designed to tilt the elections in favor of the NPP. However, he expressed confidence that the determination of Ghanaians to vote for change will thwart any attempts to compromise the integrity of the polls.
“With less than 24 hours to go, it has become obvious that the Electoral Commission is determined to aid the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rig the elections. But they will fail because the people of Ghana are determined to vote for change and protect their ballots,” Mr. Mahama said.
The NDC flagbearer detailed concerns raised by his party over what he described as “exposed validating stamps” used by EC staff. According to Mr. Mahama, these incidents, reported since last Thursday, have gone unaddressed despite repeated calls for action.
He further alleged that the exposure of validating stamp details could enable the production of counterfeit stamps, giving fake ballot papers an appearance of legitimacy. He also referenced an internal memo from the Electoral Commission, dated October 10, 2024, which he claims outlines a “well-calculated plot” to facilitate ballot stuffing by leaking the serial numbers of the validating stamps.
“Such an exposure allows the party that has printed fake ballot papers to produce similar stamps to use in order to achieve a semblance of validity,” Mr. Mahama explained.
In light of these concerns, the former President has appealed to key stakeholders, including the National Peace Council, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, the international community, and election observer missions, to intervene and hold the EC accountable.
“I call on the National Peace Council, Religious and Traditional Leaders, Civil Society, the International Community, and the Election Observer Missions to call the Electoral Commission to order,” he concluded.
Ghanaians are set to elect a President and 276 Members of Parliament tomorrow, December 7, 2024. The allegations have added tension to what is shaping up to be a highly contested election. The Electoral Commission is yet to respond to the claims.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
