The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has rejected the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenge to a mandamus application submitted by four parliamentary candidates from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He underscored that the Electoral Commission (EC) is currently resolving the contested results in four constituencies through its administrative procedures.
In remarks made following the High Court’s decision to schedule a ruling on the NDC’s objection for January 1, 2025, Afenyo-Markin pointed out that the EC had previously indicated that irregularities in the collation process contributed to the results announced for Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Dome Kwabenya.
“The EC itself has stated emphatically that there was no earlier valid declaration of results in these constituencies. The argument that results were declared is neither here nor there.”
Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of the current legal proceedings, drawing a distinction between this and what he characterized as the NDC’s initial reaction to the contested results.
“At least, we’ve managed to bring them to civility in the courtroom. We believe in the rule of law and are confident in the outcome.”
The mandamus application submitted by the NPP candidates aims to compel the Electoral Commission (EC) to finalize its collation and announcement of results, a procedure that the EC had already intended to undertake again through administrative means.
The High Court’s decision on January 1 will determine whether it can advance to consider the mandamus application or reject it in light of the NDC’s objection.