The Electoral Commission (EC) has assured Ghanaians that the 2024 presidential election results will be declared within 72 hours after polls close on December 7.

Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, emphasized the importance of accuracy, transparency, and adherence to timelines while speaking on Joy News’ PM Express.

“By convention, we work within 72 hours, and I believe we are going to work within the 72 hours to ensure that Ghanaians know the outcome of the presidential election,” Dr. Asare stated.

He explained that while the EC is committed to working efficiently, the multi-step process required to collate results demands meticulous checks at every stage to maintain credibility.

“For the parliamentary [election], some constituencies may conclude their processes as early as 12 midnight, 1 am, or 2 am. After that, those presidential results will be sent to the regional capitals,” he noted.

From the regional capitals, officials will review the results and forward them to the EC headquarters in Accra, where the Chairperson will officially declare the outcome.

Dr. Asare reiterated the EC’s commitment to transparency throughout the process.

“We shouldn’t forget that parties are going to be represented at all these levels to ensure transparency and credibility of the process,” he stated.

Reflecting on the 2020 elections, he acknowledged that while the EC initially targeted declaring results within 24 hours, the announcement was made in 48 hours. The decision to adopt a 72-hour timeline this year is intended to balance efficiency with thoroughness.

“The target we set in 2020 was to do it in 24 hours, but we ended up doing it in almost 48 hours. This time, we are giving ourselves more time.

"If we can get everything in less than 24 hours, why not? If we can get it in about 36 hours, we’ll go ahead and do it. But as much as possible, within 72 hours, we are going to do the needful,” Dr. Asare explained.

He reassured Ghanaians that the Commission is fully prepared to deliver timely and credible results.

“We will take our time and ensure that every step of the process is carefully managed so that, by the end of three days, the outcome is clear and satisfactory to all stakeholders,” he said.

Acknowledging logistical challenges in transmitting results from remote constituencies to regional capitals, Dr. Asare affirmed that the EC has systems in place to manage the process efficiently.

“We will do our very best to follow convention and ensure Ghanaians receive the results they deserve,” he added.