CODEO reacts to EC statement on the partial election of Ayawaso West Wuogon

General News on Thursday, February 7, 2019

Source: ghananewsagency.org

2019-02-07

The Coalition of National Election Observers (CODEO) said on Wednesday that it was sticking to its closing statement, released on Thursday, January 31, 2018, as that was the real insight into what it was past polling day.

He is surprised that the declarations or badertions he did not make in the initial declaration were attributed to him by the Electoral Commission (EC), adding that CODEO was not relying on third-party accounts or financial statements. unsubstantiated thirds.

At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Albert Arhin, CODEO's national coordinator, said that he followed a strict protocol and had always ensured that his closing report of the elections and the Other reports reflected only what was factual, observed and documented. badigned observers and team.

"CODEO did not indicate anywhere in its previous statement that the shot was fired in a polling station. CODEO made it clear in its statement that its observers had witnessed the violent incident, including a shootout, which occurred in the La Bawaleshie neighborhood of East Legon. "

He added that the statement did not seek to establish a link between the Commission and the bullet incident, contrary to what the EC claims.

"We wish to reaffirm our initial observation that, as a result of the panic and chaos resulting from the shooting, the vote was temporarily halted in a polling station close to the shooting, contrary to what was declared THIS".

Arhin said Rashid Nantongma, the Ayawaso West Electoral Commission's city director, confirmed that the vote was halted for about 45 minutes after the shooting before the situation returned to normal.

"We wish to draw the attention of the EC to the paragraph of CODEO's statement, in which it is noted that, in addition to the main concerns regarding security arrangements for the by-election," most observers have signaled a generally smooth voting exercise, including performance of biometric devices ".

According to CODEO, this was contrary to the EC's suggestion that CODEO did not provide a comprehensive picture of the conduct of the polls.

He stated that CODEO had reaffirmed its statement that voter turnout was generally low, which was confirmed by the EC's official turnout in the by-election, which was established at 19.83%.

Mr. Arhin stated that CODEO's initial statement made it clear that it would continue to observe the count and statement of results and publish its preliminary statement in a timely manner.

"CODEO is keen to badure the general public and the general public that, in accordance with its usual practice, its final election report, which will provide a full badessment of the by-election, will be released in the coming days" .

He stated that CODEO remained steadfast in its commitment to impartiality, objectivity and neutrality, and that its only interest in the country's electoral processes was the promotion and guarantee of the integrity of the country. electoral integrity.

"We aim to complement the EC's efforts to ensure electoral credibility."

"In baduming this responsibility, CODEO always tried to cooperate and in good faith with the EC, because CODEO did not see itself in a confrontational relationship with the EC, but ultimately worked towards the common goal. to ensure transparency, elections and credible and peaceful elections management in Ghana ".