Lawyer and legal academic, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Budu says that the constitution of Ghana does not clearly give room for any individual or group to call for a forensic audit of the results of any election.
According to him, the country’s law is clear and gives room for anyone to challenge the outcome of the general election but not for a forensic audit.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has refused to accept the results of the December 7 polls insisting it is flawed.
In an interview with the Voice of America (VOA), the former President stated he will only accept the results of the elections if he is allowed to conduct an independent forensic audit of the Electoral Commission.
Reacting to ex-President Mahama’s demand in an interview with Samuel Eshun, host of the Happy Morning Show on e.TV Ghana and Happy 98.9 FM, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Budu said, “The law of Ghana is clear that if one is dissatisfied with the results of an election after its declaration, you have the right to challenge it. But in terms of a forensic audit, I don’t know what candidate Mahama’s call is grounded in”.
On his authority, one can call for the forensic audit of the results alright but the lawyer doubts there is any legal backing to this call.
The learned fellow reiterated that the EC is not subject to the control of the Presidency or parliament and these institutions cannot force them (EC) to dance to the NDC’s tune.
“I don’t think that the call for a forensic audit is grounded in the law but I believe former President Mahama is calling for the audit because of the allegations going on now”.
The NDC has been asked to present evidence to support their claim of the EC rigging the December 7 polls to favour the ruling government. Regardless of these calls, they party is yet to substantiate their claims.
By: Joel Sanco
