NDC files appeal and stay of execution against High Court’s mandamus order

In a dramatic turn of events, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed a notice of appeal and a stay of execution in response to a High Court ruling that grants a mandamus application by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), compelling the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to re-collate parliamentary results in four contested constituencies. This legal battle intensifies as the deadline for the swearing-in of newly elected Members of Parliament looms.

The dispute centers around the constituencies of Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South. The NPP had argued that the results in these areas had not been conclusively determined, as the EC had failed to complete the collation process. As a result, the NPP sought a court order to compel the EC to finalize the results before any declaration could be made.

On Saturday, the High Court in Accra sided with the NPP, granting the mandamus order. This decision requires the EC to complete the collation of the disputed parliamentary results and make a final declaration. In addition, the Court instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure the provision of adequate security for the EC to complete its processes without interference.

Immediately following the Court’s ruling, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, expressed the party’s dissatisfaction and commitment to appeal. In a statement to journalists, Tameklo affirmed that the NDC was prepared to challenge the decision. He emphasized that the matter was far from over, suggesting that the party was not willing to accept the judgment.

“This matter is not yet over. Nobody should be deceived. It will not end here. We are appealing the decision, we’ve filed the appeal and stay application, ” Tameklo asserted, underscoring the NDC’s determination to contest the ruling.

The notice of appeal was filed shortly after the ruling, setting the stage for an intense legal battle just days before the swearing-in of Ghana’s newly-elected Members of Parliament. With only three days remaining before the inauguration, the appeal and stay of execution could delay the declaration of results in these critical constituencies, which are pivotal to the overall parliamentary makeup.

As the political landscape of Ghana braces for the next phase of the dispute, all eyes are on the legal proceedings and their potential impact on the formation of the next Parliament. The outcome of the appeal may not only influence the results of the contested constituencies but also the broader political dynamic heading into the next legislative session.

Read the processes filed

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