The pressure group Respect my Vote movement is calling on the Electoral Commission (EC) without delay rescind its decision to close down its offices nationwide in the interest of peace and security of the country.
According to the association, the decision is not only illegal but also irresponsible on the part of the leadership of the Commission.
A statement issued by the Respect my Vote movement, said, “As a critical public entrusted with the responsibility to conduct free, fair and credible election, the Commission ought to act in accordance with the constitution and other laws of Ghana. No law permits any public institution to close down its operations from the public. At best, just like other institutions, staff of the Commission may take their annual leave. The Commission has therefore acted ultra vires the letter and spirit of the Constitution and other laws”, the statement said.
The group’s remarks come after the electoral commission management body released a statement, stating, the commission will go on recess for the Christmas and New Year on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 and resume Tuesday, January 19, 2020.
However, “given that the presidential election results have been rejected by John Dramani Mahama and the NDC while results of the several parliamentary elections being disputed no serious election management body worth its sort will take such a reckless decision in the midst of crisis”, they noted.
“After conducting elections that is riddled with several irregularities. The least the Commission can do is to stay on and clean up its own mess, they asserted.
They, “We further call on the sleeping National Peace Council to wake up from its slumber and call the Electoral Commission to order as its decision to close down its offices to the public portends serious threats to Ghana’s peace and stability, the group added.
Read the full statement below:
Press Release
CLOSURE OF ELECTORAL COMMISSION OFFICES FOR ONE MONTH ILLEGAL AND IRRESPONSIBLE- RESPECT MY VOTE MOMENT
Accra, 23rd December, 2020- Respect My Vote Alliance has noted with utmost disgust the ill-informed decision by the Electoral Commission to close down its offices for the next one month. This decision is not only illegal but also irresponsible on the part of the leadership of the Commission.
After conducting elections that is riddled with several irregularities. The least the Commission can do is to stay on and clean up its own mess.
Given that the presidential election results have been rejected by John Dramani Mahama and the NDC while results of the several parliamentary elections being disputed no serious election management body worth its sort will take such a reckless decision in the midst of crisis.
As a critical public entrusted with the responsibility to conduct free, fair and credible election, the Commission ought to act in accordance with the constitution and other laws of Ghana. No law permits any public institution to close down its operations from the public. At best, just like other institutions, staff of the Commission may take their annual leave. The Commission has therefore acted ultra vires the letter and spirit of the Constitution and other laws.
We are calling on the Electoral Commission to immediately rescind its decision to close down its offices throughout the country in the interest of peace and security of this country.
We further call on the sleeping National Peace Council to wake up from its slumber and call the Electoral Commission to order as its decision to close down its offices to the public portends serious threats to Ghana’s peace and stability.
Respect My Vote Alliance
Akalilu Samed 024 317 3375
Stephen Kwabena Attuh 024 371 8353
Ama Owusuah Boateng 024 579 8712
