In a recent interview, former Member of Parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu shared a deeply troubling experience he had during the collation of parliamentary results in the 2020 elections. This account sheds light on the stress and challenges faced during the election process, highlighting the importance of transparency and proper conduct in such crucial events.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described how he arrived at the collation venue fifteen minutes late, having been informed by the Electoral Commission that the process would start at 9 a.m. When he arrived, he was shocked to find that half of the results had already been counted. This early counting led to significant disagreements with the EC officials.
During the collation, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu discovered a serious issue: approximately 3,500 votes had been incorrectly assigned to his opponent. This mistake was alarming, and he immediately insisted on conducting his own count. “We had to start afresh because I strongly disagreed with what they had done,” he explained. His determination to ensure fairness was clear, as he wanted to rectify the discrepancies in the reported results.
The situation took a more emotional turn when Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu found the returning officer in distress. He discovered the officer sobbing in the washroom, clearly overwhelmed by the pressure of the situation. “We found him sitting on the ground, crying. I knew him well, and I had even helped pay for his university fees. It was heartbreaking to see him like that,” he recalled. This moment highlighted not only the personal toll of the election process but also the weight of responsibility that officials carry during such critical times.
Throughout his account, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in electoral processes. He referenced the Supreme Court’s role in ensuring that proper procedures are followed. “We need to know the truth. One person may win, but it must be done right,” he stated firmly. His insistence on integrity in elections serves as a reminder of the democratic values that should guide the electoral system.
Moreover, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu expressed concern about how electoral disputes are handled. He criticized confrontational tactics that some individuals resort to when results are contested. “Why would anyone prevent recognition of the results? It’s time to find better ways to resolve these issues,” he urged. His call for peaceful resolution reflects a desire for a more constructive approach to handling electoral disagreements.
