Audio By Carbonatix
The lawyers of the Electoral Commission (EC), first respondent in the ongoing petition hearing say it is unfortunate that they were dragged to court by the NDC’s 2020 Presidential Candidate, John Mahama.
According to them, the harmless mistake made by EC boss, Jean Mensah while declaring the election results on December 9 had no bearing on the outcome of the election which has triggered the petition.
They further stated that the former President has failed to provide any evidence whatsoever to challenge the election results and for that matter, the declaration of the result and hence, they are calling on the court to dismiss the petitioner’s case.
The submission is contained in the written closing address filed by the lawyers in compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders.
The Apex court on Monday announced it will deliver judgment on the election petition on Thursday, March 4.
Mr Mahama had filed a petition rejecting the election results as declared December 9 stating that none of the candidates who contested the December 7 polls including himself met the constitutional threshold of obtaining more than 50% of the valid votes cast.
The Electoral Commission and President Akufo-Addo were named as respondents in the petition as required by law.
The former President's lawyers in the course of the trial served the EC with a document asking that it admits certain facts including that its chairperson announced 13.4 million as valid votes cast while handing President Akufo-Addo, 6.7 million votes.
They say the failure of the EC to admit or rebut these facts within 14 days as required by law means the facts have been admitted.
An admission of these facts they argue means President Akufo-Addo did not obtain more than 50% of the votes cast.
They are therefore urging the Supreme Court to on March 4, direct the Electoral Commission to organise a run-off between President Akufo-Addo and Mr Mahama.
Latest Stories
-
Works and Housing Minister signs MoU with Turkish firms for major Accra water project
6 minutes -
Ghana not going to the World Cup just to make up numbers – Jordan Ayew
31 minutes -
Three arrested over the killing of Abamba Queenmother in Bono East
33 minutes -
Daily Insight for CEOs: Defending and expanding market share
35 minutes -
Auditor-General report flags GH¢162m in overstated claims by state agencies
36 minutes -
GH¢1.4 bn duplicated claims uncovered across MDAs – Deputy Finance Minister
41 minutes -
‘We don’t need more additions’ – Jordan Ayew backs current Black Stars squad
42 minutes -
ActionAid Ghana, the EU and GIZ hand over new dam to Buka community
45 minutes -
US-Israeli war on Iran escalates as Trump warns of incalculable hit if Strait of Hormuz is blocked
47 minutes -
Multivitamins could reduce biological age in older adults by months, study finds
56 minutes -
African insurance leaders meet to chart path for industry growth and resilience
1 hour -
SSNIT assets hit GH¢25bn amidst TUC calls for grassroots pension literacy
1 hour -
Asante Akim North MP sponsors bill to regulate campaign financing
1 hour -
Full text: Deputy Finance Minister delivers A-G’s report on 2024 arrears and payables
2 hours -
Audit uncovers GH¢159m ‘ghost’ teacher trainee arrears
2 hours
