NDC Alleges Judicial Bias in High Court’s Re-Collation Order
Party alleges judicial bias, procedural violations, and a breach of natural justice in disputed election re-collation directive
- The NDC accuses the High Court of partiality and claims its ruling undermines natural justice
- The party highlights legal errors, including failure to notify interested parties as required by law
- The Supreme Court is now reviewing the contentious decision
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the High Court of bias and procedural lapses following its directive for the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate election results in nine contested constituencies.
The court’s December 20 ruling, stemming from a mandamus application by New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates, instructed the EC to review results where alleged irregularities raised concerns. While the NPP justified the request as necessary for transparency, the NDC criticized the decision as flawed and controversial.
Although the EC complied in seven constituencies, re-collation in Dome/Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remains incomplete.
During Supreme Court proceedings on December 27, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, argued that the ruling violated principles of natural justice.
He claimed the NDC was not given the chance to present its case, significantly influencing the outcome.
The party further alleged that the judge showed bias and ignored procedural rules. Tamakloe highlighted a “non-jurisdictional error of law,” asserting that Order 55 Rule 5 (2) of CI 47, which mandates notifying interested parties in mandamus applications, was disregarded.
As the Supreme Court considers the case, the allegations of judicial misconduct have heightened tensions and could have significant legal ramifications.
