Let the EC come out to declare the election results first - CODEO tells media

Accra, Ghana - September 11, 2024 - The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has sounded a warning to media organizations against declaring election results before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission (EC) in the upcoming 2024 General Elections.

In an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, CODEO's National Coordinator, Albert Arhin, emphasized the need for media outlets to maintain the integrity of the electoral process by refraining from premature announcements.

Arhin expressed concerns that early declarations by media houses could spark confusion and unrest among voters, stressing the importance of adhering to official procedures.

While CODEO may have access to preliminary results, Arhin clarified that the organization will not release them, choosing instead to respect the EC's official announcement.

“It is not necessary. Let the EC come out to declare the results. Let me tell you, CODEO normally gets the results about two days before the EC comes out, but we never tell anybody."

“Through the PVT, we’re able to know who has won the election but we swear and we keep it to ourselves,” Mr Arhin said.

Mr. Arhin emphasized the crucial role of media in promoting a fair and democratic electoral process.

However, he stressed that media outlets must exercise restraint and wait for the Electoral Commission's (EC) official declaration before reporting election results.

He noted that the EC is the sole authority empowered to announce election outcomes, and any deviation from this protocol could erode public trust in the electoral system.

Source: Lead News Online