NPP files complaint over 2012 election results to Ghana Supreme Court

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) today December 28, 2012 filed a complaint at the Supreme Court of Ghana challenging the results of the 2012 presidential elections.

At a press conference in Accra, party executives told journalists that it has filed its complaints challenging the results.

President John Mahama had 5,574,761 votes which was 50.7% of all valid votes cast and Akufo-Addo had 5, 248,898 votes which was 47.7%. There was a 79.43% voter turn-out. More than 14.1 million registered voters were expected to vote and over 11.2 million voted.

After the Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan announced the results and declared incumbent President John Mahama winner and President-elect, December 9, 2012, 72 hours after the votes, the NPP rejected the results claiming the vote has been rigged.

The party threatened to go to court to challenge the results. According to Article 64, Clause One of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, any Ghanaian could challenge election results 21 days after declaration.

Three leading members of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo, flagbearer, Dr. Mahmud Bawumia vice-presidential candidate and Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey Chairman are first, second and third complainants respectively.

It is not known yet, when the Supreme Court will hear the case.

Meanwhile, a Transitional Team headed by the Vice-President, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur is preparing for a handing over ceremony on January 7, 2013.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi