CODEO OBSERVATION OF THE RESCHEDULED TAIN RUN-OFF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON JANUARY 2, 2008 Interim Final Report

Introduction

As promised in its preliminary statement on the conduct of the presidential run-off election held on Sunday, December 28, 2008, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) observed the rescheduled poll in the Tain Constituency on January 2, 2009. Given the significance of the poll, CODEO deployed observers to all 144 polling stations. One member of CODEO’s Advisory Board also observed the polls. Reports were received throughout the day from 143 of them. CODEO issued a situational statement on the day of polling at 3:30pm focusing on the setting up and opening of polling stations. Polling day incidents and irregularities were also highlighted in the statement. This interim report captures CODEO observations of the Tain constituency polls up to the declaration of the results.

Summary of Observation

Overall, the Tain poll was well conducted and peaceful. This was a noteworthy achievement in the light of the heightened political tensions following the decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to delay announcing final results of the presidential runoff election until voting in the Tain Constituency. Reports from CODEO observers showed low voter turnout and this was attributed to the NPP’s decision on January 1 to boycott the Tain poll.

Setting Up and Opening of Polling Stations

• Reports from observers indicated that 98 of 143 (69 percent) polling stations opened late. By 9:00 am, 134 polling stations had opened, and the 143 polling stations observed and reported by CODEO eventually opened.

• The secrecy of the balloting process was protected in all polling stations observed and reported on by CODEO’s observers, and the ballot boxes were empty before being sealed.

• NDC polling agents were at 141 of 143 polling stations, and one NPP agent was present for the opening of a polling station but did not remain to observe voting.

• There were no missing materials at 128 of 143 polling stations, though the delayed arrival of materials was a factor in the late opening of most polling stations reported above. Poll books lost in the fire that destroyed the Electoral Commission office in Tain after the December 7 elections were not available at any polling station, but this appeared to only affect a small number of voters who did not have their voter ID cards.

Voting Process

• At 127 of 143 polling stations, no voters in possession of voter ID cards were turned away from polling stations.

• Voters’ fingers were inked in 138 of 143 polling stations.

• Names were checked in the voter registry in 138 of 143 polling stations before voters were allowed to cast their ballots.

Counting and Collation of Votes

• CODEO observers reported that the correct number of ballots papers was found in the ballot box in 139 of 143 polling stations.

• Observers agreed with the announced vote count in 140 of 143 polling stations.

Incidents and Irregularities

• There were very few incidents reported by CODEO observers, including some NDC polling agents attempting to interfere in the polling process at some polling stations. None of them were serious enough to affect the outcome of the poll.

Conclusion

Given the mounting tensions in the country following the December 28 election and the decision to reschedule the presidential run-off in the Tain Constituency, CODEO commends the Electoral Commission for the transparent and professional manner in which it conducted the poll. CODEO also commends Ghana’s security forces for keeping the peace and ensuring calm during this difficult period.

All Ghanaians should take pride in the 2008 electoral process, which demonstrated that the country’s democratic process is strong enough to withstand the challenges and high stakes of a closely contested election.

CODEO will issue a comprehensive report on its observation of the 2008 elections in early 2009, which will contain recommendations for strengthening the electoral process in advance of future elections.

CODEO is grateful to the British High Commission for supporting CODEO’s observation exercise in the Tain constituency at such short notice.

Issued by CODEO Secretariat

January 6 2009

Press Release CODEO, final, Ghana elections, Tain