The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its disapproval and concern over what it described as a purported declaration of parliamentary results for the Damongo constituency in the Savannah Region.
The party stated that the action, allegedly initiated by the Savannah Regional Electoral Commission (EC) Director, Johnson Akafiu, is unacceptable and illegal.
The NDC made this known during a press conference addressed by its constituency deputy secretary, Zomira Shaibu, and the Parliamentary candidate, Adam Mutawakilu, in Damongo.
On Sunday, 8 December 2024, a group of young people besieged the Damongo Constituency Collation Centre, vandalized the place, and subsequently set the Electoral Commission’s municipal office warehouse ablaze, scattering electoral materials and forcing the relocation of the collation centre to the regional EC office.
The results were later declared by the Savannah Regional EC Director, Johnson Akafiu, in the presence of media and political parties.
In its statement, the NDC expressed its strong disapproval, describing the action as unacceptable, illegal, and a violation of the electoral processes intended to ensure transparency and fairness.
The party highlighted concerns regarding missing ballot booklets, irregularities, and unauthorised actions by the Municipal Electoral Director.
They alleged that ballot papers were removed from several polling stations without explanation or accountability, and these actions remain unresolved by the EC.
The NDC further stated that the collation of results for the Damongo Constituency was suspended in the early hours of Sunday, 8 December 2024, between 1:30 am and 2:00 am, and has yet to resume.
The party noted that several polling station results remain outstanding, making any declaration premature and invalid. Reports of over-voting at 13 polling stations also remain unresolved, further undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
The party accused Mr Johnson Akafiu of making an unauthorized declaration, noting that he is not the Returning Officer for the Damongo Constituency.
They claimed that the declaration was made in the absence of the official NDC agent and at a secret location, with only security personnel present.
According to the NDC, this act was fraudulent, illegal, and null and void, lacking legitimacy and violating electoral laws.
The NDC demanded that the EC address these issues immediately. They called for the collation and declaration of outstanding polling station results to be conducted transparently and by the legally mandated returning officer.
The party also urged the Commission to investigate the alleged removal of ballot papers and missing ballot booklets and to provide clarity on the circumstances leading to the unauthorized declaration.
The NDC further demanded that the unauthorized declaration made on December 10, 2024, be reversed publicly through the same medium and manner.
They insisted that any future electoral exercises in the constituency must be conducted with proper oversight, accountability, and adherence to established procedures.
In its statement, the party emphasized its commitment to peace and respect for the democratic process but warned against exploiting this commitment as a license for electoral malpractice.
The NDC urged the EC, civil society organizations, and international observers to ensure due process is followed to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the Damongo Constituency.
“We stand firm in our resolve to protect the will of the people and ensure a free and fair electoral process,” the statement added.
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