The National Peace Council (NPC), in collaboration with the West Africa Network for Peace-building (WANEP), has called on political parties to withdraw their supporters from election collation centres to prevent delays and maintain order in the electoral process.
In a press release issued on December 7, 2024, the NPC expressed concern about reports of party supporters converging at collation centres under the guise of protecting ballots, Electoral Commission officials, and security personnel.
The Election Situation Room, established to monitor electoral proceedings, described this development as regrettable and warned that it could impede the work of electoral officers, delay the announcement of results, and escalate tensions.
The NPC urged political parties to adhere to electoral rules and allow only accredited agents to observe the collation process.
“It is essential that political parties exercise restraint by withdrawing their supporters from the collation centres and allow Electoral Commission personnel to carry out their duties with professionalism and integrity,” the statement emphasized.
The NPC also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a free, fair, and transparent election and appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace during this critical period.