EC Errors, Not Candidates, Caused Kpandai Rerun – Franklin Cudjoe

Published: December 14, 2025 | Updated: December 14, 2025

Introduction

The Kpandai parliamentary election rerun, scheduled for December 30, 2025, has sparked significant debate in Ghana. Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, argues that the rerun stems from Electoral Commission (EC) errors, not candidate misconduct. This article examines the key issues, legal implications, and broader consequences for Ghana’s electoral integrity.

Key Points

EC accountability: Franklin Cudjoe asserts that the rerun resulted from administrative failures by the EC, not candidate wrongdoing.
Collation process flaws: The Tamale High Court annulled the 2024 election due to improper collation procedures.
Impact on candidates: The rerun is seen as an injustice to the NPP candidate, Matthew Nyindam, who initially won.
Public trust concerns: Repeated election disputes risk undermining confidence in Ghana’s electoral system.

Background

The Kpandai Parliamentary Election Dispute

The 2024 Kpandai parliamentary election was annulled by the Tamale High Court following a petition by the NDC candidate, Nsala Wakpal. The court ruled that the final collation was conducted without the NDC candidate or an agent present, violating electoral procedures.

Electoral Commission’s Role

The EC, responsible for overseeing Ghana’s elections, faced criticism for its handling of the collation process. Franklin Cudjoe emphasized that the EC’s lapses, not candidate actions, led to the annulment.

Analysis

Legal Implications of the Rerun

The Tamale High Court’s decision highlights the importance of electoral transparency. The absence of the NDC candidate during collation violated Ghana’s Public Elections Regulations (CI 127), which mandate party representation during vote tallying.

Impact on Electoral Integrity

Franklin Cudjoe warns that repeated election disputes could erode public trust in the EC. If administrative errors persist, future elections may face similar challenges, threatening Ghana’s democratic stability.

Practical Advice

For the Electoral Commission

Strengthen collation protocols: Ensure all parties are present during vote tallying.
Enhance training: Educate EC officials on adherence to electoral laws.
Improve transparency: Publish collation results in real-time to prevent disputes.

For Political Parties

Monitor elections closely: Assign agents to all stages of the electoral process.
Engage in dialogue: Work with the EC to address procedural gaps.

FAQ

Why was the Kpandai election annulled?

The Tamale High Court ruled that the final collation was conducted without the NDC candidate or an agent present, violating electoral regulations.

Who is responsible for the rerun?

Franklin Cudjoe argues that the Electoral Commission’s administrative errors, not candidate misconduct, caused the rerun.

What are the broader implications?

Repeated election disputes risk undermining public confidence in Ghana’s electoral system, necessitating reforms in EC procedures.

Conclusion

The Kpandai parliamentary election rerun underscores the need for the Electoral Commission to address administrative weaknesses. Franklin Cudjoe’s critique highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s elections. Without reforms, similar disputes may arise, threatening democratic stability.