The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared Charles Forson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Tema Central constituency, following a court-ordered recollation of votes.
This development comes after the High Court granted the NPP’s application, compelling the EC to collate and declare the results of two outstanding polling stations in the constituency.
The EC’s decision is expected to bring some clarity to the contested Tema Central constituency, following legal challenges and recounts that have delayed the confirmation of results.
Tensions escalated when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ebi Bright, demanded a full recollation of votes from all polling stations, as stipulated by the court order.
Accompanied by South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Bright expressed dissatisfaction with the EC’s decision not to fully re-collate the votes, leading to NDC representatives exiting the collation centre in protest.
Despite these disputes, the recollation proceeded, resulting in Forson’s victory. This outcome alters the initial declaration, which had named Ebi Bright as the MP-elect for Tema Central.
The constituency, established in 2012 and traditionally leaning towards the NPP, has experienced significant political contention in recent elections.
The EC’s compliance with the court order and the subsequent declaration aim to resolve the electoral disputes in Tema Central. However, the NDC has indicated plans to challenge the EC’s ruling in court, citing discrepancies during the electoral process. As the situation develops, further legal proceedings may ensue.
