Our Candidates say "I have a Chance"

1940hrs Wednesday, December 31 2008

I have a Chance but will I blow it?

Tonight, two sides of the political coin are singing different songs and giving different speeches each with the Theme "I have a Chance". But they both mean something different. Agya Atta is saying... "I am on the threshold of realising my dreams". Nana is saying ... "This is tough but there is a small crack in the door." But the key has suddenly been given to Tain. sardines and sausages are flowing.. hotels, sorry guesthouses are all full... four-wheelers are dusting up the rural roads. the permed hair and rasta styles are having to be covered to prevent the red ground dust mixed with the mid-belt harmatttan dryness imbibed hazy airborne dust.

Suddenly, the quiet neighbourhoods are seeing all the big boys .. the kee kaa and we are moving forward tra la la, yeresesamu tra la la taped songs are all over on mobile boom box cars. when you are important, you have to chop your post. but how do you ensure that the post lasts? I mean how do you ensure that you get a permanent benefit from the visitors? - very simple, ma broda!!! negotiate your packages!! stupid!!

So tonite, I am sure in the dark nights of Tain, opinion leaders are seriously discussing their future with both parties. But we learnt something a long time ago, that when they bring, collect and then when you get there use your conscience and exercise your thumb well well.

This is going to be the mother of a casting ballot and the people of Tain will come out of Friday either as villains or heroes, depending on which side of the coin you stand.

Everybody thought it was Mills or Nana who had a reason to say "I have a Chance" but for me the biggest orator will probably come from Tain. whether it is the paramount chief, the opinion leaders, the youth leaders, the pastors, the imams, the teachers, the market queens, the farmers or the local village drunks, "I have a chance" is a merry statement tonite.. ei, massa, but you see say tomorrow be new year, you no bring me hamper? oh massa, this one no need hamper-ooo, just something small make I buy 2 bottles beer or brukutu. massa you mon know, abi!! Oh massa, oh, I no ask say make you give me something.. but anyway, since you bring fine fine thing from Accra, I go hold am so!! I can almost hear the conversations.

Without imputing any corruption, I do know that people in Tain will benefit somehow from this one day sudden unplanned onslaught on their constituency. For one, Ghanaians will get even more coverage of the area than the recent multi-part documentary on the Bui Dam project ever even attempted.

Whichever way you look at it, NPP has a really daunting task than NDC to be able to surmount the hurdle towards Golden Jubilee House on January 7, 2009. Just check out the cheap pythagoremithic arithmetic below. if it is wrong, you have to blame my teacher.. if it is right, know that my table mate is very fine!!

here goes:

Mills 2nd Round Scores = M

Nana 2nd Round Scores = N

Difference as announced by electoral commission = 23,055

Tain Constituency Registered Voters (Tain maximum figures) = T (53,000) ( if you have the exact figure, put it here)

Tv = Tain Valid Votes to be cast in Tain = Tn +Tm

Where

Tn = Nana's votes in Tain

Tm = Mills' votes in Tain

Tr = Rejected Ballots to be recorded in Tain

Ta = unused ballots in Tain

T = Tn + Tm + Tr + Ta



Position on December 30, 2008, as announced

M=N+23055


Position on January 2, 2009 after 1700hrs (as will be announced)

M + Tm = N + Tn



For either Mills or Nana to win, the picture must be as follows:

M + Tm = (M-23055) + Tn


Tm = Tn – 23055 or Tn = Tm + 23055

Therefore Tn –Tm = 23055

Nana needs to beat Mills in Tain by not less the 23,006 to win the presidency. Anything less and Mills take the crown. The herculean task is that Tain is such that unless to put 23,055 in the bank before we start is really a daunting task.

This is one day that people will not be sleeping.

by the way,on Metro TV a few minutes ago, Alex Segbefia (NDC) and Arthur Kennedy (NPP) appeared on a programme and NPP says they have filed a protest note to the EC this evening in which they are in effect asking the EC to re-consider results in EIGHT constituencies in the Volta Region where they noted irregularities. they wont accept the position until this matter is resolved. I saw that posture as immature. I thought Arthur Kennedy should just have said we have presented the documents to back our claims and we shall await the EC's position. naturally NDC was not happy with this and I thought strategically, the leadership of both parties need to be most restrained..

I am surprised that they don't seem to be aware that the big English could be misconstrued by even the journalists during their reportage and could also be misinterpreted by their own followers as a call to the duty of mischief. right now, some tensions could be foisted on innocent Ghanaians who just wanted to exercise their franchise and see a smooth transition from President Kufuor's administration.

I am not sure, if I have to get a couple of bags of rice, gari and onions to fill my chopbox just in case some foolishness erupts by one side or the other. "In this Ghana in which we are living in it" I do cherish my freedom, my ability to enjoy life without looking behind me. I have friends on both divides - some are sweating others are panting, sorry trotting and expecting to be seen as waiting in the wings.

my question to all sides. which Ghana do you want to rule? the one that has been made fine or the one you are struggling or rehearsing to destroy!! Think about it. what you destroy is the same place you have in mind to rule. Choose your option!!

It is time to wish all Akyeame a really magnanimous Happy New Year.

with the best of regards

Bla Elik

So it has come to a small rural community?

To: okyeame@googlegroups.com

2105hrs Tuesday December 30, 3008

Wonders will never End!!

After a marathon "keep quiet, shut up and watch me check the figures" meeting that had one side looking to see more numbers flow its way, and the other side saying what has come is enough, Ghanaians finally got to hear the most eagerly awaited voice this side of the God's kingdom. a weary voice it was, one who had probably forgotten how smooth his resident dictator''s face feels like; certainly a man who had not eaten from his house plate for nearly 40 hours since Sunday. And what a message he brought to us. This was like the Murder on the Orient Express suspense.

Oh by the way, just wait a minute for me please. in the background, come and see verbal pugilistics from insider politicians and sympathisers.. no that appears too strong an expression. but how else can you express a situation where people appear to have dug their heels in on an issue. But wha-aaat!!, Opanin Afari-Djan who had on the 7th of December put it out that no one can tell him which law could force him to talk quickly decided to put a calming balm on all Ghanaians in the most deftest of presentations and with the bravest of presence. The man don fear whu!!

Do you remember that I stated sometime ago ( see my Bla-Elik election diary at http://bla-elik.blogspot.com ) that Wofa Afalijan did not like standing to speak...I have researched-aaaaaaaaa and found out that there is something in the soup. I am sure you want to know. I won't tell you but I am willing to leak the rumour (I beg, its only a rumour-ooooooo, my mouth is not a ballot box!!) that his presentation format has been determined to be most effective way of presenting "erection lesurts" to an expectant population especially when there are more mobile phones acting as microphones than radio/tv station microphones. I cannot understand for the life of me understand why the media or even the EC cannot fix some equipment that can serve as a distribution console so my Wofa has to sit behind a table where we only see his grey hair and very little of his eyes when he speaks to the nation. to make it worse, the only time I decided to see TV small, my cameraman may have been too short so I had the privilege of seeing an canopy of microphones. shame on the TV station

Back to the matter, Wofa AfariDjan confirmed that we should despair no more. we can start growing our nails. we can even use some nail extensions to make them look nice, if we can afford the manicure (and/or pedicure for those who chewed their toe nails as well). he said, massa, I call them for bedroom, I take cane lash them four four well well, then I asked them to wipe their eyes with their trouser pocket and their elbows. The I ask them to follow me here. but before we came out, each one said, Please sah, this boy threw the stone first, the other one said, no Sah, he picked up the stone first so I suspected that he will throw, so I threw then he threw mine. bla bala bla bala bla!! Haba. keep quiet, you think this place is a kelewele centre..? or do you think you are talking to your grandmother? as a teacher, my motto is Evidence, that is why my nickname is Commissioner, take me play!!

and so it came to pass that Wofa AfariDjan said that I have been shown some evidence for some place.. I am waiting for the other boy to bring his evidence if he has. when I get it, I shall investigate and then i shall see the merit as to who threw the stone first.. but you are all small boys... I shall also look at how big your stone is, and you too I shall see how far you threw your stone, then I shall see who shall be punished less .. but in the meantime, for disturbing my ears, take this four four lashes each.. Sanmia!!!


What a deflation!! We thought this was going to be, and what a deflation it was seen to have been...!! but what a relief it was for some people..!! why, Because the announcement by Afari-Djan immediately also had the very solid effect of defusing all tension in town today. what do you say, when business is abruptly suspended across town with banks closing around 1:30 - 2:30pm, shops shut down, huge traffic jams of folks going home early, reports of steamed and charged boys rehearsing etc, rumours upon rumours of nasty things from certain quarters planned.. Shieeeee, today was wild paaaaaa.. some small business koraa that I was looking forward to knack today got truncated. but the real beneficiary is my resident dictator who benefits from an early arrival of he truant roommate.

Things have calmed down, because Mr Evidence had said yesterday or so that if it was necessary, he would do Tain to conclude the ballot on Friday to determine how the 23,000 difference can be resolved with a special Bla-Elik equation: Mills (M+X) = C + NANA(N+Y).

Under the scenario available, the only way Nana can win the presidential ballot is to make such progress in Tain such that Mills' present M votes must be reduced by X such that Nana's present N votes must be increased by Y such as to neutralise the present difference ( C the constant) of 23,000 PLUS if the credible evidence either party presents to Wofa AfariDjan would add to or subtract from any candidate's votes. What a day this day has been!!

Referee no afa ball no ko fie.. Our dear referee whistled in the 85th minute and took the ball home. But I tell you, the man did Ghanaians a big favour today, not announcing the results but at least telling Ghanaians the scores SO FAR!! AfariDjan masterfully behaved like Joe Lartey of old. Onukpa, where are you? AfariDjan , when I looked at him using my brand new homeland security x-ray glasses had his eyes red with lack of sleep, no trembling fingers, but his hands were curled like he had just used the school abaa to lash the boys .. and from his office watching the traffic pass by the mental hospital told himself and his team that people, if we let these boys and girls lose on the streets today, they will say we have done this or that.. so okay, lets give them the bitter medicine today and leave the matter in the hands of Tain.

Like I had noted two days ago, Tain did not vote because of problems in the aftermath of Dec 7th parliamentary vote had ended up with the EC offices there being burnt down, then on Dec 28th, their electoral materials were found not to be enough so the parties decided not to start at all and had the materials returned to Sunyani.

One Touch, Tain becomes like Tuobodom.. people are suddenly drawing maps of Ghana - dont worry about the butchering of the Ghana map.. people are speculating about what the capital is? is it a district? or just a constituency within a district? is the place north of or where relative to Sunyani....? are they NDC believers or NPP sympathisers (pun intended), who is their chief? has President ever gone there before? come and see, how a place can get so popular simply because of Wofa AfariDjan. The sole contender decider out of 230 constituencies. we even wonder, what language they speak there? Ghanaians need to spend some time to learn about Ghana. Hmmmm. Tain, by the way is north of wenchi in the general area of the new Bui Dam project. the constituency sort of sits between Wenchi and the Bamboi, just in case you are using a non-detailed map of Ghana

Tain is now the centrepiece of our country tonight. I am sure each polling station on Friday, January 2, 2008 when the citizens of Tain cast their ballot, will be filled with every NPP minister, DCEs, party big wigs, NDC prospective ministers and job seekers, suddenly converted party members, volunteers, EC, ECOWAS, CODEO, AU and what have you Observer missions, BBC, Joy, GBC, ANN, It would simply be hu there. The number of people who have started trooping there already is mind boggling. But, trust me, it would be the most difficult place to play any tricks, if any side or person even thinks about it

1700hrs on Friday January 7, will mark the end of the penalty shootout. I am wondering how many polling stations would be open that day.

once again, I ask who will resolve the equation Mills(M+X) = C + NANA(N+Y). knowing that X + Y is less than or equal to 55,000 or thereabouts.

I end with just one concern - how ready is either side to accept the casting ballot equivalent of Tain Constituency. I look forward to either side being ready to do the nation the honours in this regard.

A New Year's eve looms up without clarity of the finality of the choice of Ghanaians. Let us Pray!!

Good night


Bla Elik

Political Lessons abound in our Elections

0136hrs Tuesday December 30, 2008

WE HAVE MANY LESSONS TO LEARN FROM OUR THUMB ACTION BUT WHEN DO WE START??

This posting is a direct quote from a email posting I sent a friend on the Okyeame Network. I thought it might make not just a good epilogue but also a good link to my first posting on December 27th on the second round of the Ghanaian presidential elections.

It's now the beginning of the second day after the elections. We (Ghanaians with or without a vote) truly experienced nail-biting like never seen before with this finish-to-the-wire election. I even finished my finger nails and started on my toes. ouch!!!

whatever it is or has been, the elections are now over and we expect the Electoral Commission to call the elections by the end of the day and certainly before New Year's day depending on what the final scenario is. One big question that we all want to ask, is whether the remaining constituencies to be confirmed/certified by the Electoral Commission would render the prospective ballot in Tain constituency ( Brong Ahafo) relevant or not to the political equation

What a period we have witnessed these past 48 hours... Now read on ....


--- --- --- ---
Subject: Re: Those who betrayed!!


Togbe Yao,

in some of the places, there was skirt and blouse voting, I suppose. either because of problems during the party primaries for parliamentary candidate or the people were unhappy with "instructions from Accra" or with their local party executives.. This happened to both parties.


The result? some of the parliamentary aspirants went independent and so split votes. see what happened at Nkawkaw for example to use an example not included in your list. You will see that The one who won "was" probably thicker and stauncher politically than the NPP candidate. he was sacked so he went ballistically independent... beat the NPP Candidate hands down. Even though Nana Addo ultimately won in NKawkaw, you could see that Mills grabbed a sizable chunk of Shaaba's votes so Nana Addo's votes were down by about 5,000 and the anger seemed to have been there. so indeed, NPP's losses really started from the first round.

with the general drubbing of NPP in the first round in the Central Region from 16-2 to 11-7 or so, the very good performance of NDC in Ashanti, Western and even Brong Ahafo compared to previous years. the only battle ground region left was Greater Accra.. but there too many stalwarts did not contest so in some of the constituencies, the glitter and shine was lost.

If you recall, in one of my postings (also available on my blog http://bla-elik.blogspot.com) , I noted that many great NPP MP folk either did not contest or were beaten at the primaries and many of their replacements were not seen as great material by the voters ultimately. The lesson here is that the Party name (or for that matter, the tradition) alone is not enough! and generally it showed everywhere.

We do need to look at the voting preferences of Volta Region where it appears that the party colour has made more than a showing every time. Except that this year, the candidates were from nowhere near there so either Volta Region has made up its mind as NDC all the way, or the other parties have not been able to present a credible message that the people there like.

In the main therefore, it has not been a matter of betrayal but really a real conundrum in party political strategy that meets the aspirations of the voters.

This election, I repeat, is a lesson, big time, in what to do or not to do, it has redrawn the electoral map of Ghana. To me, it does not matter where it finally ends, but it has been humbling for both parties. It has also been eye-revealing or is it popping for the parties.

Voters appeared unimpressed with the roads, hospitals and infrastructural projects, the macro-economic gains etc. Voters dealt with their perceptions of the politicians, the currency of the political and propaganda messages. Communications strategy and effectiveness played a key role in my view else One cannot simply explain voter patterns this time round. it has been a true shocker. Truly truly, one cannot take the Ghanaian voter for granted anymore

Clearly we are a two party state. the rest of them should just align with one. at best, we can have a third "liberal/social democrat" type political element in the equation for the future.

whatever the outcome tomorrow when the EC is expected to make its announcement, Ghana will be a changed place (pun not intended) politically.

But the other side of the coin is that if Mills is confirmed tomorrow, he will have a difficult legislature to deal with when it comes to matters requiring the FULL MAJORITY of the House. If Nana ( in what seems to be a very tight and difficult scenario) is confirmed tomorrow, he will most definitely have a House that can really require him to have coalition type arrangements with appointments (even though he wont be required to). All this is part of the changed political landscape that the incoming President would have to face come January 7th

I am definitely not happy with some of the postures of the party supporters, the NDC especially, since late Monday afternoon when most of the radio & TV stations put out the results of 224-226 constituency results. then most of them started playing Highlife and Gospel songs. but clearly the NDC boys across the country are charged and any result now that says NPP won would most likely, no most definitely, be rejected by them. They are so wild that it could be a tinder box waiting to be ignited. I don't know whether I should express any concern about this, but I am afraid I have to, because the prospects of violence would clearly send this town back 50 years. the prospects of losing our credibility as a politically mature state would be wiped off the slate in no time. In addition, the prospects of having a marred transition - short as it would now have to be - does not appear to be a cosy choice at all for me.

How do we resolve this? This is the time for leadership to be manifested by Nana Akufo-Addo and Prof Mills. I would pray that my dreams of them having breakfast or brunch together tomorrow ( Tuesday Dec 30th) comes true. They probably could do that before the results are announced tomorrow (Hopefully at about noon, as we seem to be hearing).

and won't it be even nicer if both of them were at the announcement event so that one can immediately concede and hug the other, whichever way it goes!!!! this reminds me of a CitiFM report from Cape Coast Monday evening where people in both NPP and NDC Tshirts were seen jubilating together that GHANA HAS WON and that democracy has come to roost.

This election has been about Ghana. and once again I am proud to be Ghanaian. I abhor mod-action, I dearly stand on the side of peace and nationhood. This is my home, I ain't gonna go nowhere. And we shall live in it, without the fear of looking back or sleeping with one eye open.

Ghanaman has spoken and its now left to the Electoral Commission to also do its part. What a shocker of an election!!!

Good morning

Bla Elik


At 22:13 29/12/2008, Yao wrote:

Based on data from Ghanaweb (with 226 constituencies reported), the following constituencies (number of votes, irrespective), betrayed their presidential candidates (only presidential votes compared for Dec 7 and 28, with Dec 7 MPs listed), and looked the way during the run-off. The information excludes data from the four remaining and unreported constituencies:

Ashanti: None

Brong-Ahafo: Asutifi South (switched to NDC) - MP not reported on Ghanaweb

Central: Assin North (switched to NPP) - an NPP MP

Eastern: None

Greater Accra: Ablekuma South (switched to NDC) - NDC MP
Ayawaso Central (switched to NDC) - NPP MP
Ayawaso West Wuogon (switched to NDC) - NPP MP

Northern: Tolon (switched to NDC) - NDC MP

Upper East: Bawku Central (switched to NDC) - NPP MP

Upper West: Lambussie (switched to NDC) - NPP MP
Wa East (switched to NDC) - NPP MP

Volta: None

Western: Bibiani-Anhwiaso Bekwai (switched to NDC) - NPP- MP
Mpohor Wassa East (switched to NDC) - NPP MP
Prestea - Huni Valley (switched to NDC) - NDC MP

Question:

What does this mean?

Are the NPP MPs in trouble, or is it "hatred" for Akuffo-Addo that seem to have swayed voters somewhere else? What can we read into this trend? Why did Assin North not vote NPP the first time round? The same question can be asked of Ablekuma South, Tolon, Prestea-Huni Valley. Why did they vote NPP but elected an NDC MP?

Let's talk!

Yao

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 210

0950hrs Monday, December 29, 2008

NOW I HAVE STARTED BITING MY TOE NAILS

with 192 constituencies in, its NPP 3,709,202 vrs NDC 3,905,699

The remaining 38 or so are surely going to be killers!! Darn!!!

just check the regional numbers one more time

• Ashanti 30 out of 39 Nana 73.37% Mills 26.63%
• Brong Ahafo 23 out of 24 constituencies Nana 49.82% Mills 50.18%
• Central 18 out of 19 constituencies Nana 45.91% Mills 54.09%
• Eastern 20 out of 28 constituencies Nana 57.80% Mills 42.20%
• Greater Accra 24 out of 27 constituencies Nana 46.86% Mills 53.14%
• Northern 23 out of 26 constituencies Nana 38.34% Mills 61.66%
• Upper East 12 out of 13 constituencies Nana 34.71% Mills 65.29%
• Upper West 7 out of 10 constituencies Nana 34.5% Mills 65.5%
• Volta 19 OUT OF 22 constituencies Nana 11.55% Mills 88.45%
• Western 20 out of 22 constituencies Nana 49.79% Mills 50.21%

More to follow.

Gosh, my fingernails are now gone so I have with the help of my Yoga Teacher started chewing my toe nails.

This is one of the closest "erections" ever. Darn!! everybody iin Ghana is so stiff. You know, yesterday many people that I know actually decided they won't vote and they did not show up. that's why I earlier reported a good but not so impressive turnout. which means that there were many new voters who were caught by apathy and complacence the first round and others who just got bored by the messages of the parties or had thumb printing fatigue on account of the ink that would stay on their fingers for such a long time..

But let me tell you, many of those that I know now seem to be regretting and of course no one will be able to organize a supplementary vote for them.. "Shame on them" goes to all those who after not exercising their franchise now seem not to like the direction the election has taken .. "if you don't express yourself you live by the decision of fools" is a very powerful proverb I must say.

Today would be truly an historic day in the electoral history of Ghana. Even with such few votes to be added and looking at WHERE the remaining votes would be coming from, its not a done deal for either candidate at this stage. maybe in another 2-3 hours, we shall see a more conclusive photo collage of the finish line.

The city is quiet, there are no displays or jubilation shows as yet on the streets.. but certainly, people are wondering whether people really were truthful with their pre-election political manifestations. They say, as for me I am moving forward but on the day it was I will change and vice-versa. politicians need to beware that the voter has become very trickish. you must now consider the psychology of voter dynamics when planning your campaign message. you don't start saying good morning only during election times.


I am sure that within the next 6-7 hours, we shall have a new President of Ghana - only that I cannot say who it will be

It has been a pleasure bringing you these updates. I will now retire to my bunker knowing that it could go in either direction

I now leave my mouth for Chairman Mao to feed.. Chairman, I want my koklo grilled please

Now we must wonder, who is actually preparing to set up the government. what kind of persons are being considered for positions? who are the silent giants behind the parties? it would all come out in the next few days

Unless something extraordinary happens and the Achimota boys and girls want me to write some English, this has been your Bla Elik.

Happy New Year whether you are a winner or loser!!

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 209

0540hrs Monday, December 29, 2008

IF YOU HEAR THAT MY FINGER NAILS ARE GONE, DON'T BE SURPRISED

with 171 constituencies in, its NPP 3,359,594 vrs NDC 3,488,148 rejected ballots 52,738

The remaining 59 or so will be something!!

just check the regional numbers so far:

• Ashanti 28 out of 39 Nana 72.76% Mills 27.24%
• Central 18 out of 19 constituencies Nana 45.91% Mills 54.09%
• Eastern 16 out of 28 constituencies Nana 59.54% Mills 40.46%
• Greater Accra 24 out of 27 constituencies Nana 46.86% Mills 53.14%
• Upper West 7 out of 10 constituencies Nana 34.5% Mills 65.5%
• Volta 14 OUT OF 22 constituencies Nana 10.27% Mills 89.73%
• Western 12 out of 22 constituencies Nana 49.77% Mills 50.23%

More to follow. Gosh, my fingernails are almost gone.. I better go back to sleep.

I shall report also on Brong Ahafo, Northern and Upper East soon.

Gosh, people are not sleepiing, no one is as yet jubilating. Ghana will have a truly quiet morning today. It looks like teh voting even changed between the 1st and second rounds. some places Nana added more votes, in other places, Mills stretched. in some, both added votes; in others, both lost votes; in some, Nana wagadrilled into Mills' votes; in others, Mills collected mangoes from Nana's basket

Ghana people make you wake up make we faaati for ah rites.. tra la la . we are moving forward!! yeresesamu!! Households are wondering which song to sing because the whole thing has become a dangbeeshi race with some alokoto knockings on the knuckles.

It also appears that voter turn out is averaging 60 something percent in many places. Afari-Djan's statisticians truly have a story to tell. Ben Ephson's predictions are almost coming to pass.


what a night it has been so far!! gosh. Still still,it is difficult to see a final pattern or a definitive end to this race. remember when I told you it will ba a tom & jerry race. well, I have not been disappointed by both Ghanaians and the flow of results like a scatter brain.

The era of the matured Ghanaian Voter has arrived. we need to get the strongholds to be more balanced then the electoral map would truly have been drawn because the places that have not come could change the whole dynamics..

I thought I shall rest my weary bones, but massa, sleep no dey come.


Like I have said, its has been a nail-biter!! this is one real contest!!!! one in which Ghanaians have put aside the developments put in by Government, one in which the change agenda appears to have targeted length of service rather than paucity of performance, one in which perception of politician attribute/character/strength has played a major role, one in which the power of the communication machinery of the political parties have made a difference, one in which promises made may be seen as foolhardy or deliberately deceptive, one in which political actions are seen as opportunistic rather than needs-addressing, I am yet to sit down to decipher the full picture to analyse.

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 208

0025hrs Monday, December 29, 2008

THE NAIL-BITING PACE WON'T FIZZLE AWAY

with 104 constituencies in, its NPP 2,060,029 vrs NDC 2,099,074

we await the remaining 126 over the next 12-16hours at the rate the results are coming in.

what a night!! quite a good number of results from Volta, North, Central, Brong Ahafo, Greater Accra are in. Eastern, Western, Ashanti and the two upper regions are also steadily flowing.

Still still, I cant see a pattern because the places that have not come could change the whole dynamics.. just like I said nearly an hour ago.

at this stage, oldman, I am going to rest my weary bones...shh, don't tell the candidates that I have gone to bed


Like I have said, its still a nail-biter!

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 207

2230hrs December 28, 2008

IT KEEPS COMING IN AT A NAIL-BITING PACE


Whosoever heareth shout shout the sun... hahahahahaa... that's how Akweley Amoatey used to sing that hymn. Akyeame, this is how the ding dong system has been playing tonight.

Like I said yesterday, by this time tonight about 20 constituency results would have been in.. and It has come to pass and more.

watch the ticker tape since 1930hrs ( pleas note that I have removed the last 3 digits to make the numbers easier to read and remember

09 constituencies NPP 146,000 vrs NDC 141,000
18 constituencies 279,000 vrs 316,000
25 constituencies 441,000 vrs 393,000
33 constituencies 686,000 vrs 513,000

and I still cant see a pattern because the places that have not come could change the whole dynamics.. so far, about 7,000 rejected ballots have been recorded.

a few places are still not getting to a common understanding especially with respect to the special voting day ballots and so their constituencies are debating the issue before they agree to add the ballots to their collated results

This night to remember is stretching into a yawn-less night, I tell you!!!! I am not sure, it would be worth sleeping tonight.. I need glue on my eyelids. Please don''t let my resident dictator miss me tonight!!!

more numbers to come!!! are we moving forward or are we changing? its still a nail-biter!

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 206

2145hrs December 28, 2008

ITS STILL COMING IN AT A NAILBITING PACE

what a feeling.!!!

Oh what a night!!! the trouncing and counter-trouncing continues - of course depending on which side of the knife you stand. :-)

so far, just about 9 out of 230 constituency results are out and Nana is leading by 50.8% to Mills 49.2. thus far, about 3,000 votes in that group has been rejected. and the total votes noted are Nana 146,485 and Mills 141, 363 this is just about 2% of the total votes ( estimated at about 12 million).

whoever said that the candidates will be enjoying their dinner is probably lying to us all... I am sure that the soups are just growing cold in both camps. in the meantime, the polling station results are coming in and its still a scatter brain

Its clear however that more people voted in the run-off than during Dec 7th. I am wondering if any side will start complaining about bloated registers especially in the areas where they made strong showings. they all need to rise above the fray and leave our ears in peace. I certainly would not want to see a situation where if you win, then there is no rigging but if you are losing then its the ball or the referee!!!!. We are well on the way to ensuring and affirming to all politicians that the people have the capacity to use their mind and thumbs on election day to welcome or pack off candidates depending on which dreams passed through their heads on the night before the election.

Oh by the way, can any one confirm when votere make up their mind? I am told that its about 3 months before the election.. if you have another view or you think you can speak on behalf of Ghanaian voters, let me know. as for me I know that it was my thumb that acted as magnetometer ( whatever that is!!) and decided for me.. maybe I used my brain, maybe I used my mind, maybe I used my stomach, maybe I listened to the radio,... but whatever I did, the choice that Ghanaians have made tonight (and as it is emerging softly softly) is one that is meant to put all politicians on edge and moves Ghana closer to a future of better electoral mechanisms where we probably can vote every and anywhere (preferably within our constituency with some sort of ID.) on voting day.

perhaps the time has come for teh rules to be re-written for us to see the day that private citizens can get their MPs to file on their behalf legislative bills on matters of keen interest. Thus far, we have not succeeded in getting other issues of referendum nature ( either national or local) put on the ballot when we go voting.. I want to see how far we can go with this notion in the years to come. I know that there are a few takers of such an idea out there... send me a wire as soon as you can.

This is one night where I have been able to enjoy the night with a small bottle of brukutu on top of my muscatella but I am not sure Agya Atta or Nana are sipping something. we wish both of them well and trust that they will both manage their pressure as the elections goes through the wire and the new and emerging numbers (certified and uncertified) are pumped up with an increased turnout and larger numbers than Dec 7th.

I will end by saying that at this time, its not clear whether we are moving forward or we are changing will become the winning slogans


By Jove, we have a night to remember!!

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 205

2006hrs December 28, 2008

ITS COMING IN NOW

what a feeling.!!!

Boys and Girls, the thing you and me do has germinated and come out. The time for planning for anti-natal is now.. the pregnancy is now manifesting. it cannot be hidden. the social intercourse that Ghanaians engaged in today is now being reported on. and it will keep people awake all night long. I tell you.we are sitting on thorns

The strongholds have been trouncing the traditional "victims" like mad. in all other places, it is so close for either candidate.

The trend of a very low spoilt ballot rejected count is being maintained, thankfully.

Nearly three hours into the counting, we are still awaiting full collated results for constituencies but the polling station results are behaving like oscilloscopes based on how fast the reporters can get through with their call-ins. so far it appears Nana Akufo-Addo is receiving a trouncing in the Volta Region, some stations in Asawasi, Upper Manya Krobo, whilst Prof Mills is also facing a much moderate trouncing in the big-boy stations in Kumasi, Takoradi, etc. I am wondering whether this would continue into the night.

I will refuse to drink my coffee until about 0100hrs ... my only regret is that Chairman Mao left me to my resident dictator all day.. Chairman, after the match, I shall say something.

It looks like a few places around Ghana don't want to sleep and want to behave like flash-point zones... but the security folks have been putting the people under control with no problem. I am not sure that these will manifest beyond the counting and collation periods. and the flashpoints are not reflective whatsoever of the national situation.. but it is worth noting so that we appreciate that the broader masses of Ghanaians have something better to do with their lives than lose them senselessly because of some politician who may not even know that YOU are fighting for or on his/her behalf. I recall a recent report where it was said that some politician suggested at a rally that his supporters go do something and the people said they are willing to go but they need a leader to marshall them into the field. The guys said they knew the politician's son was a great nice boy with leadership qualities so can he arrange for his son to come and be their field leader going into "battle". of course, that killed the politician's enthusiasm for the said field operation. let me ask, would you send your son or daughter into a flash point zone? if not, why would you ( a "bystander" lead one..?? indeed, not long ago, a politician warned his own people not to be swayed by such calls because the big man always has his passport to get out of Ghana... his advise was therefore very simple ... don't commit yourself to die a senseless death and certainly not because of politics.

One constituency result is out provisionally - Afigya Sekyere West (Ashanti Region) is NPP 15,697, NDC 5,003. we are still awaiting more full constituency results within the next hour or so.

I shall be back

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 204

1816hrs December 28, 2008

ITS ALL OVER - AND NOW THE REAL FINGERBITING STARTS

what a feeling.!!!

it was just about 1700hrs when I got to my NAFTI polling station here in Accra and everything was put in place for the count. the ballots were spilled unto a table, and under a lone incandescent lamp fixed in a temporary fixture, they were sorted out into NPP and NDC ballots then the counting began -- one, twooooooo, threee, four, at the end of which NPP had 234, then we started counting NDC ballots , one twoooooooo, treeeeeeeeeeee, oops, there was an NPP ballot wrongly placed so it was set aside and the counting continued at the end of which NDC had 229, NPP was 235


we went to Soul Clinic school as well about a kilometre away and it was NPP 121, NDC 76

indeed, the votes have started coming in. it looks like we are getting some small amount of spoilt ballots - mostly zero, but where they exist its usually max 2 .

in many places it is truly a close call but in some areas its like 400 -200, 400-40, 220-198, 237-169, that sort of thing is coming from the polling stations swinging in either direction... so its for Akufo-Addo now, and Mill the next moment. it is truly interesting. results have been coming in from polling stations from all over the country - Tamale, Takoradi, Kwesi Adade, Accra, Dadieso, Kadjebi.. We are waiting for collation centre results so unless one has the spreadsheet template, you cannot see the emerging picture but clearly its going to be nail-biting all night long.

like I said, Ghana is truly sweet.

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 203

1506hrs December 28, 2008

I DON VOTE AND MY THUMB IS STILL TREMBLING

what a feeling.!!!

For a change and for the first time in my voting careerf, I voted this afternoon at about 1330hrs. The polling station was virtually empty except for the electoral and party officials. very cool and cosy. but to my surprise, many people had exercised their thumb freedom much earlier because the ballot box was almost full. it was started empty this morning.

All over town, its the same kind of feeling but some parts of Accra have good lines of voters waiting to vote

There are reports of Tein Constituency (Brong Ahafo) not having started voting at all for some reason (reportedly insufficient electoral materials). A few incidents of vagabond behaviour have also been reported around the country but largely been contained by the Police and the security agencies swiftly. By the way, Afram Plains have been voting since early morning ... so there was no problems like experienced on Dec 7th

Talking to people though, I get the feeling of yet another tight vote by our country people.

I can tell you, however, that there is absolutely no tension and certainly Ghana is NOT on the brink of burning like some pundits (including politicians who ought to know better) are saying.. The tingly sensations one can feel on the back of neck is not one of a knife but rather the sense of confusion as to which way the wind will blow via the thumb expressions, sorry, impressions, on the ballot papers. its only a tingly feeling for me... but for the players in the trenches, its a knife edge waiting to incise the skin with pain or simply an acupuncture pin waiting to be used to provide a pleasurable pinch for joy..


Really!! apart from this, its been a quiet day and I guess the band will really started playing from 5pm when voting is expected to end. The anticipation factor will receive a much overdue boost when the clock ticks 1700hrs.

Hour by Hour we approach the voting deadline. Two hours is all that separates one of the two candidates from the Presidency of Ghana.

who will get the keys to the Jubilee House..?? who will be the first to get a horizontal adjustment in the presidential bedroom... ??

let's wait and see!!!! 1700hrs here we come.

like I said, Ghana is truly sweet.. I pity those of you without a vote to cast.

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 202

0935hrs December 28, 2008

WHAT HAS BEGAN SLOWLY MAY END UP FULFILLING AND BIG

what a feeling.!!!

This morning, I run away from the cradle and sneaked into town to see for myself. Yes, its true, there were no long outdoor sleep-overs and certainly no one had brought buckets and kettles to queue on their behalf in the thick of the dark, foggy, cold (okay, cool) harmattan night. But don't kid yourself ... people are actually voting and I am not sure we shall have a low turnout at all.

Indeed, there is less work in this election for voters.. first of all, its only two candidates instead of 7 and average 4 parliamentary candidates in the first round and you went through a dual voting.. this time, its one sheet, two people and its one touch for voters.. the process as I have observed in the stations I have visited, is one of comfort, easy going but takes no more than 2-3 minutes for one to vote... so it appears to an "untrained" eye, there is voter apathy. I am not sure I agree... but in these matters anything can happen and the surprises can be to the detriment of one candidate over the other.

Even some churches held their services this morning unlike we saw happening in round one.

By the way, JJ just voted in Osu and he spoke to the media afterwards. He did not sound a happy man.. he started by saying he was happy with the choice he has made and voted for but that he is informed about perpetration of fraud by the other side, that non professionals and untrained persons have been armed and put in police and military uniforms to cause mayhem. the country wont accept any elections based on fraud. that as far as he is concerned Nana and Mills would both be acceptable to Ghanaians if there is conviction that the elections have been free and fair. he cited radio reports of "already thumb printed papers against the name of the person in number one position". He called on the IGP and the EC to take control of the situation. He sounded really hard. But I am not sure what he was saying and I am sure that the day will see the truth come out. In any case, the radio stations have clarified the situation and noted that in South Tongu Constituency (Volta Region), the party agents and the EC officials have agreed on how to deal with some ballot papers with BLOTS not thumbprints and voting is going on smoothly

well, it was also just reported that in New Juaben North constituency (Eastern Region), it appears some EC officials have been chased out of their station because they had added their own dimension by thumb-printing some part of the ballot papers.. The problem has been isolated and they will be re-commencing voting pretty soon.

This is one voting where all are vigilant. one interesting side kick is one station in Kumasi (Subin Constituency), it is reported that one or two voters after thumb printing their ballots, they showed their choice before folding their paper to put into the ballot box. Of course, the security guy there warned all in the queue not to even dream of doing same else they face the rigours of the law. indeed that act is a crime punishable with free accommodation at the pleasure of the benevolent taxpayer.

All is going on well...its going to be a nail biter once we get closer to 1700hrs today.

Ghana is truly sweet.. I pity those of you without a vote to cast. so whether you are moving forward or changing. it matters not... exercise your franchise!!

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

Bla Elik on the Line for Round Two - 201

2257hrs December 27, 2008

THE BEGINNING OF THE BEGINNING AND, FOR SOME, OF THE END

what a feeling.!!!

By this time tomorrow night, we would probably have results from about 20 constituencies to begin to see the emerging picture of Ghana's second round of the Presidential election contest between NPP's Nana Akufo-Addo and NDC's Professor Atta Mills.

clearly everybody is tensed up.. we have seen and heard of a few verbal pitches about plots and counter-plots of mischief and more than an equal number of denials from the opposite quarters. we have seen an avalanche of political endorsements at the higher levels, and denials and un-endorsements from the lower levels and regions. It is clear that the people cannot sit in Accra and dictate to their following that "our party has endorsed ...." and expect to go scot free of criticism or praise.

Indeed, as we head into tomorrow morning 0700hrs when voting starts, some people have said that some of the endorsements have been political dud cheques (boy, I like that phrase!!!). I am not sure they matter at all. I think the electorate is pretty much made up of those for or against (whichever way you look at it!!). No one seems to be on the fence now at all.. indeed, there are more motivated voters now than there were in the first round on December 7th.

we have a proverb that says that, if you don't contribute to the decision, you allow fools to rule you. 'this is one election that ONE vote will make a difference.. never mind that the great statisticians have said that 50%+1 is an invalid number and that all we have to say is that the person who gets more than 50% could have taken the cup of state on December 7th.. now it is first past the tape (by ONE!!!!!!) what ever happens if you beat the opponent by one - what percentage will that be? I will prove the theorem tomorrow, if I get my fingers dipped into the motivational ink before I respect my thumbs decision on the ballot paper.

Accra is definitely poised. and believe me, everybody who has a vote somewhere is on a vehicle out of town.. come and see Achimota this afternoon, cars and buses (of all sizes and condition) of all the boys from Kokompe, dog chain sellers, shoe shine boys, civil servants.. on the way to vote, they are!!!!! certainly, we probably record one of the highest voter turnouts that we have seen for a looooooong time. who can fault that? I only pray that people do go to their villages and towns or places of residence to vote. because, the level of vigilance is very and will most
definitely be super-high.

would it be Nana-o ( we are moving forward!!! the best man for Ghana, believe in Ghana) or Agya Atta (Yeresesamu, we are changing for a better man for a better Ghana)????? you will have to watch what your thumb will do tomorrow.. don't make a mistake.... make sure you vote for the person you WANT to vote for. keep any and I mean any spec off the ballot paper to minimise the spoilt ballots at your polling station.

tomorrow history will be made, either to give NPP a continuation mandate or to give NDC a come-back welcome to the Presidency of Ghana. Everybody has an opinion. each party has, in addition to their expressed media opinion, also got a reason for wanting so badly to be given the mandate to rule Ghana. Maybe we know, Maybe we don't know. either way, if its Nana who wins, NDC will be mauled badly and that would probably the end of Prof Mills' political career at the headship of NDC despite NDC's strong parliamentary showing on Dec 7th. If on the other hand, its Agya Atta who wins, it would be the first time that the developmental achievements of
an incumbent Government has not mattered at all.. it would give the impetus to NPP to review its strategy and make it go back to the drawing board to find out that whether you are an incumbent or not, you must campaign as if you are in the opposition and come up with a message that convinces people.. because Ghana Voter don mature now!!!!

The above is really the reason for the extreme excitement that I sense tonight. the thril of a nail biting election, that will keep people sitting on thorns all night tomorrow.. nana leading by 200, mills leading by 210, nana take 12000 lead, mills narrows with a 11000 win in xx constituency.. we shall have a tom and jerry nite tomorrow..

I am sure Chairman Mao will bring some dead cows and hens to some place for us to maintain a holy gardens vigil tomorrow

Ghana is truly sweet.. I pity those of you without a vote to cast tomorrow.

Merry Christmas, belated as it is.

very sincerely yours

Bla Elik

A Veranda View of Ghana’s 2008 Presidential & Parliamentary Elections

A Veranda View of Ghana’s 2008 Presidential & Parliamentary Elections
The Election Diary of Bla Elik

Date: Sun, 07 Dec 2008 06:32:07 +0000
To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 001

List-Id: okyeame.googlegroups.com
List-Post: mailto:okyeame@googlegroups.com

0630hrs

Gosh, I just woke up only to find that the whole nation has been up since 1:30am in many places. I am getting ready to get to my polling station around NAFTI in Accra. If Accra is the barometer to watch, then folks look out for a huge voter turnout. all the radio stations are out in the field around the with phone ins etc its great. TV3 is doing a wonderful live field broadcast. By the way, the security officials are NOT carrying guns. They are just in their uniforms. There is complete sanity and comportment by the folks, as per the reports, even where there are no security persons around.. What a day!!!
I will be there when the voting starts at 0700am.. I dont care how far I will be in the queue, oh... and how long I stay in that queue!!. My thumb is waiting to rock.

Its going to be a great day for all Ghanaians. and war mongers will be put to shame as we have since 1992. of course there will be small isolated incidents that willl not affect the national fabric at all. I am sure the so many local and foreign observers ( in the hundreds!!!!)will use the day to justify their per-diems otherwise, they will also not have anything to say except to congratulate Ghanaians for their maturity and sensibility for peace.
This is the day that would mark the begining of tears and gnashing of teeth for some and jumping and shouts of victory for one!! Whatever the side of the coin you find yourself, be sure to know that you contributed to the peace called Ghana
Bla Elik
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To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 002

0730hrs

Gosh, I I've just driven around town specifically the La, Osu area and believe me the queues are long, peaceful and cool. a few of the areas though I noticed that balloting has not started 15 minutes into the period. but all in all, with the official numbers per polling station, even if it is started an hour late, we should be able to vote... in any case, once you are in the queue at 5pm, you will vote even if it takes up to 7pm or 11pm...

Am running back to go and vote... see you soon!!!!

Bla Elik
-------
To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 003

0745hrs

am waiting for my Presiding Director to get ready with my adult brood so that we troop to go vote. my polling station is only 5 minutes away. and the queue is quite cool with about 250-300 in line now. I was pleasantly pleased that the streets were largely empty with very little traffic

an interesting story, one of the independent presidential candidates - Amoafo Yeboah - just went to Labone Sec School to vote and he forgot his ID card.. after some small wahala - he was allowed to vote as the rules allow (for those who can prove their existence - knowing that the photos are also in the Voters Register)

this day will be most interesting

Bla Elik
------
To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 004

0812hrs

why do I think that there will be humour splashed around todayy abundantly? The TV3 Tamale reporter just reported that in Tamale, eager "voters brought kettles, pots, blocks and benches to queue on their behalf" as early as 2-3am .. and of course, they went home to go relax until this morning. Ghana is truly magical!!! Like I said.. this day will be most interesting


Bla Maitin, you have to ensure that you buy me credit so I can call you. I shall allow myself to be hijacked by you and the London Gang.. I want to be handcuffed and sent to that Waakye place in Brixton.... Onukpa Alexo, oyE dzEn loooooooooo!!!

Bla Elik
-------

To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 005

1050hrs

I have VOTED about 25 minutes ago. what a great feeling. Someone I know went to the NAFTI polling Station where I voted then decided that he will not vote after all. His reason? He said he did not like any one of the candidates. so he left!! what a shame. but I tell you, it was great for those of us who have exercised our franchise... we did not have to wait for long. The Returning officer and his crew were simply great.. The layout was beautifully planned - almost as if the guy had studied line efficiency and queuing theory under stochastic processes. haba!!

The side kick for the voting trip is that this time, the ink is not put on your finger nails on your thumb but your whole left index finger (meaning the small one, for the non-literates amongst us) was dipped into the ink ... with a glee in the eyes of the polling assistant. My presiding director is still trying to clean hers so her cutex will show nicely.

oh, by the way, the NDC folks came there (in mufti) with their light bluish seals and packed meals for their agents on the ground. I am sure the other guys will also come there.

I noticed something that assured me of the effort the EC has gone through to make this a memorable election to behold. each of the stages of the election, the register checking, the ballot paper issues had them ticking off a ready reckoner sheet with numbers 1 to whatever, this meant that everybody who passed they crossed out one number. the party agents also had their equivalent sheets and they consulted and agreed on the numbers. the way I see it, unless in some remote area, the system breaks down, this will be clean.

Everywhere the streets are still quiet and people are quietly in line if they have not voted.

It was interesting to see some of the nice non political attire that people brought to the polling station.. I had a Tshiirt with a word spelt with some reversed letters in a scripted form RIQP or something like that but the scripted R looked like something. another was in a Ghana@50 Tshirt with forward ever backward never.. would that be CPP NDC or NPP . An old lady was in white cloth with a rosary wrapped around her voters ID card.

oh what a day this is turning out to be

Bla Elik

------
From: Mawuli >
To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Re: Bla Elik on the line - 005

I just went and did justice to my thumb. Or shall I say my thumb did justice to the candidates. My polling station is only a five minute walk from my house too, so I went with the whole brood, both young and old. The big mistake of the polling officer was to allow my young devils to go to the booth with me. They decided to have a discussion about my voting choices right at the booth, and for that I had to smack them both upside the head.

My polling station is Shields Experimental School in C3, and is usually one of the sleepiest places in Accra. Our timing was perfect because there was no wait at all. The security guys were chatting under a tree somewhere, and the polling agents and EC officials were all relaxed.

I was surprised to find all the ballot boxes completely full. I asked one of the agents and he said there had been a queue earlier in the morning. Not bad for a quiet polling station.

For me, the biggest thanks go to whoever thought of ending campaigning 24 hours before the election. After the nightmarish blanket coverage on TV and radio on Thursday night, yesterday and today have been the most peaceful in a long time. Town is very calm, no horns blaring, no phone calls and SMS from candidates, no nothing. I've even turned off the TV and radio until after 5pm when the results start coming.

Over to you, Bla

mao

------------
To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 006

1630hrs

Like Chairman Mao said, I have had the most peaceful daytime sleep man can ever have ( without keeping one eye open of course), town is so serene, the after-voting euphoria of Ghanaians who exercised their franchise has been overwhelming. I took a short nap in readiness for the night of wonders.

I still have not heard of MS, certainly his burning guesthouse has not featured on any radio or tv station unless they pulled a fast one whilst I was asleep. The only thing was a report that the TECHIMAN Municipal Chief Exec had been shot which turned out false because his local party chair was on radio that something happened at about 3am whilst the party folks were preparing their agents. yes there was a shot, but it it hit his driver, who was at the time actually the passenger in the pickup truck. That they saw the persons and they know them but this was NOT the time to go blazing names because they had reported the matter to the police.. The passenger had been treated and discharged and they are still riding around time, bullet hole and bloodstained shirts notwithstanding.

The immediate past first lady, NanaK, is actually an NDC polling Agent at Airport Barracks polling station to help ensure clean elections and to share in the joy of helping out Agya Atta.

There were quite a few long lines in Madina Zongo Junction mosque polling station (2 in one), Madina new road EP Church area when I drove around about 2 hours ago and some few places in La but believe me, Ghanaians are putting to shame all the war mongering pundits like the HIMBUK says " from earths wide bounds....." all the reports are saying this one will be “GYER” (clean/cool & fantastic)

I forgot to mention that the EC polling staff are all beautifully attired in a lovely light blue reflective shirts with caps to match... so even under candlelight we shall know who is who.

I am getting ready to go out to witness the counting of the votes.. I tell you, my polling stattion has proved a full true barometer of all the elections since 1996 when we started voting here (the percentages have almost mimicked the national) for presidential and surprisingly for the local Parliamentary (La-Dadekotokpon) ...

see you shortly after 5pm.. bye.

Bla Elik
----------

To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 007

1856hrs

well well, its all over... except for the folks in Afram Plains where there are reports that their ballot papers did not come in at all. A few areas are still voting due to the high turnout at some stations and the folks are still in nice queues in the dark. and one of the stations, teh ballot boxes are so full that they have added a second box. some of teh folks have been in the queue since dawn.

in my corner of Ghana, NAFTI POLLING STATION: the presidential results were NPP 238, NDC 198, CPP 23, PNC3, spoilt ballots 2 everybody else ZERO. The parliamentary results were NPP 225, NDC 211, CPP 21 and zero for every one. A true mini-skirt & blouse situation
It was just reported that in Airport West (part of Ayawaso West Wuogon) where Prez K voted, NPP had about 44 votes less than NDC in the presidential.

In Kibi, it was huge wins for NPP. whilst in the Volta it looks like a killing for the NDC - the numbers being reported from Polling stations is huge 3 digits for NDC and 2 digits for NPP.

It is clear that Nduom's money seem to have been chopped. his numbers are not looking great at all. Ghana is clearly a two tradition state politically and this election would clearly confirm this.

In the meantime, there are no runaway jubilations. either people are sittting on thorns awaiting full collated results or people dont want to show where their thumb direction was until the coast is very clear. The results are coming in so fast that i am sure everything will be over by lunch time tomorrow. mainly due to the power of communications.

this is what is happening.

immediately the voting ends, the ballot boxes were brought under a lighted area, and the presidential ballots opened , sorted out then counted loudly (oooone-twoooo-threee.... ) by order of candidate. In my Centre, immediately one is finished, the returning officer records on the Report sheet, before the next one starts. then immediately all the candidates are done, the polling agents of the parties also sign the report sheet . Meanwhile they also have their private reporting sheets and their phones, which they call in to somewhere. so I am sure the parties are separately collating the results polling station by polling station.

Now the EC bagged each candidates winning ballots and properly labelled them in the self seal plastic bags clearly marked presidential or parliamentary then all were put back into the appropriate transparent ballot box and guess what - the EC sealed the ballot boxes and the NPP and NDC also had their private seals and they also sealed the ballot boxes and then recorded their seal numbers and did some further signing of some sort of centre operations returns sheet ( I can’t tell what specific sheet that is). If there is rigging then of course, it can only come from the moon!!!

This is one sure night to watch.

what would the electoral map look like when its all over?.

Bla Elik
----------

At 19:03 07/12/2008, kantaraka wrote:
Blaa Elic,

What a missed vocation! Your are a reporter by adoption!


To:kantaraka
Subject: Re: Bla Elik on the line - 007/kantarakamara in the osu curve

Bla, u say what!!! Good evening. The thing hu pass something.

take it easy... stay well

I am as awake as I can enjoyiing the whole thing. the signals are that of a super tight race.

cheers

--------
To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 008

1947hrs

The thing hu paaa. At this time, one cannot say who is on top. the results are coming in like skirt and blouse changing every day by a fashionable lady. Hmmmm. when Volta comes in, it is huge for NDC and everybody else stays low, Central is mix mix even within the constituencies. Eastern seems to be going largely to NPP but the margins appear quite narrower than previous years. The incoming results from some of the Ashanti shows real interesting results - some shockers for the NPP.. this is really getting serious. Who would be gnashing their teeth is changing by the minute in a swing-like manner. The night is still young.. I tell you!!

like Bla Kantarakamara said, its over 21000 stations but as you can see, all the stations - radio, tv and web are all in the business of bringing the called results from the polling stations. and the returns are coming in so fast..that I think I should consider retiring unless some small angles show up that is worthy of sharing from my bunker. No way!!! I still will shy away from saying Good night at this time. I am still wide awake listening to the marginalisation of every party except the NPP and NDC. Dr Mahama and the rest must start conceding, even if it is not yet time to name a winner. At this stage, with the kind of results I wouldn't be surprised to hear of a second round in this election.

I repeat that Ghana is clearly a 2 party state. the other parties are clearly looking for ways of avoiding the debt collectors because if you don't get 12.5% of the vote, you lose your electoral deposit from the EC.

I wonder though, whether the CPP, PNC and the others can really swing leverage in the event of a second round

Bla Elik
----------
At 19:38 07/12/2008, Rickey wrote:
Do you think your polling station is still the full true barometer?----------

-- To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Re: So Bla Elik are you calling the elections for NPP or ?

Wofa Rickey

as you see, I was not calling. I only said my polling station is a barometer and if you see the close results, that is what is happening all across the nation. so if you do the plus and minuses, it is clearly a race between NPP and NDC and the rest are looking like losing their electoral deposits.

we also demonstrated a mini-skirt and blouse voting which you can see happening in the parliamentary versus the presidential in the various constituencies.

this is one evening that even drinking beer has been suspended until the stars begin to shine in some corners.

did I answer the question?

Bla Elik

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From: Rickey To: Okyeame Akyeame okyeame@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: So Bla Elik are you calling the elections for NPP or ?

I will give you a B- for your answer, too Clinton-like for yours truly. All the same thanks keep up with your reports.

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To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 009

2320hrs

The Central Region seems to be ceasing to look like a battleground region. it looks like NDC is really showing strong there unlike 2004. There is even unconfirmed media collation that AsaBee was on the verge of losing his seat. but there is much more polling stations to be counted. Whether it’s true or not - its truly a tight spot for both parties. Somehow, CPP has not done well there at all.

Greater Accra is also looking less of a swing state. I think it is looking less likely that that the other folks ( non NPP,NDC) will smile and I ams sure they will or have thrown in teh towel already. the question is... are they prepared to face the specter of defeat? it is hard.. but that is politics for you.. you get a smile when you are here but a frown when you look away.

All in all, I am sure David Ampofo, the CPP Strategist, is reviewing post-mortem tapes critically with his team because this is the true shocker of the elections just as a CPP win or even a 25% showing would have been the election shocker of all time.

I have been shocked by Yendi where it is said that 47 precincts reporting out of 52 8 or so, NPP is doing more than strongly giving Alhaji Malik Yakubu a smooth ride towards the parliamentary seat. The story of this place is one to tell giving the political slant that the parties have put on the place in respect of the recent happening there some time ago.. if you know what I mean.

Akwatia also shows a nice mix of win-lose dingdong between NPP & NDC. In one place, an NDC turned independent candidate really performed wonders leaving the real NDC aspirant panting.. which means that the party should have listened to the people there.

We are yet to tell the story of this election, I tell you. I have now decided that I won’t be surprised any more by the results, that would come in.

By the way, I took my final exeat from the resident presiding director and went on a town drive - I managed to cover 45 kilometers in about an hour. the City of Accra is nicely quiet. when I passed the Osu Police Station, I was not sure if they were collating results or counting a station results or people were still voting.. Whatever it was, at about 10.05pm, there was a police car (bless the driver) shining its headlights onto the ballot boxes and the crowd had mercifully parted (sic) a gap for the light to shine....

there are few people in the drinking pubs. the Osu eateries are not really crowded. Newtown, Kotobabi, Kaneshie and a few of the areas are generally not bustling like before. I believe, people can’t really see the direction of the elections.. but I tell you, the comportment of Ghanaians in receiving the results PLUS the efforts of both the EC and the party polling agents to put in place MUTUALLY AGREED anti-rigging mechanisms at all polling stations has created a superdooper worthy of emulation.

Meanwhile, the radio stations and the parties all have the full spreadsheet containing the full list of all 21000 plus polling stations and when the results come in via correspondents, they can just fill in.. I am sure I-Man and MS who are in the trenches tonight have copies of the spreadsheet. I wish I had one on my computer, because I am not hearing any analytical stuff.. I am only hearing results being called from the field in a random manner and its difficult to see if there are definitive patterns beyond what my small brain is deciphering on the sidelines.

One thing I can’t put any finger on is the nature of the voting in all areas. my key analysis - what kind of people vote for what type of candidate in the various polling stations? can we say middle class is voting for x or y candidate? can we say literacy or neighbourhood has any bearing on who the people vote for? is there a pattern for Zongo communities? what about City or urban folks versus rural or peri-urban folks? I wanna hear some solid analysis.. If only I had the spreadsheet, i will do it myself. hahahahaa

I hear that the final collation is actually ongoing at the various constituency centres.. but the results from the voting precincts are coming in so fast that I confirm that I am sure the final results will come in earlier than the 72 hours promised by the EC.. I am not sure what will happen to the Afram Plains issue though.. so perhaps tomorrow we shall hear about that.

By the way, reportage on this election has been very massive... but it is largely just reporting - I mean calling in results by phone. some radio stations have as much as 500 foot soldiers across the country and they are truly using their mobile phones.. some of the stations are also requesting CNN-style i-reporters to jam the radio-waves with email, videos, photos, sms etc.

Our TV stations are trying but the effort pales in comparison to my expectations. I don't want to hear that we are a developing country.. you can see that we don't have the cameras out there and certainly, they don't have equipment for simultaneous multi-location broadcasting which calls for some amount of improvement in the regulatory framework and also bandwidth availability. it is clear that if there were regional TV studios or TV networks, we would be seeing more of the things on the ground than we are seeing today.. it is for that reason that i really applaud the radio stations who have figured out how to work seamlessly with their affiliate stations to bring us some good element of coverage. By the way, BBC has moved into town as have many international observers as I reported earlier today.

Indeed, if internet bandwidth and wireless IP networks were available, we could even have been streaming stuff using our simple tools like our laptops.

Let me end this note by asking.....would Ghana be like Kenya? - shame on anyone who used pencil to write YES before looking for their gum ( sorry, eraser!!) to write NO!!! we have put them all to shame.

I understand that some Akyeame are planning a press conference.. Chairman Mao and I would host the refreshments for both the teeth gnashers and the teeth showers ( not bath shower-oooo!!! ) - okay. those who shall smile in a few hours....whether you lose or not, you have won because Ghana has shown the way.

By the way, did you know that EKTork voted for the first time in 20 years - actually this is his first vote ever and he has been jumping so much that he might invite some of us to his outdooring as a mature Ghanaman next weekend. Do you know any former okyeame diaperman who used his/her thumb today?

Ricoh, The foolishness of Ghana International Airlines to have suspended flights into Ghana because of the elections has been vindicated. All the airlines flew in per their schedule and made money and our fledgling airline slept off the day and gave our pilots and crew some extra shopping money.

We still have to find out how the communications system broke down between our two govt departments - foreign affairs and national security - leading to the closure of the Ghana-Togo border. Nonetheless, the folks of Ketu voted with their thumb massively. MS will surely be happy although I am wondering if the celebratory flags and Tshirts were not burned in the guesthouse fire of yesterday.. EfoKetu, where at all are you? or are you also behind the border in Lome now?

suspect more news flom me!!

Bla Elik

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To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 010

0010hrs - Monday Dec 08

Looks like Mike Hammah, NDC, has reclaimed the Effutu parliamentary seat he lost in 2004. His votes were about 15000 (53%) to 12000 NPP. about the same for Mills (50.96%) & Akuffo Addo in the presidential.

Bla Elik
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To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 011

0750hrs - Monday Dec 08

Akyeame, this is the morning after the day after. One thing is clear, we have woken up to a darn different Ghana this morning. for those who slept, the shocker will hit them once they see the full effect of the good news or damage (depending on which side you are on in which constituency!!). This election is Hu paaaaaaa!!!!

For one, Central region has shown NPP a Red card in many areas and there is a yellow card in many places. Greater Accra seems to distant wall away for the NPP as well. Even though the NPP is not winning much in the northern belt, it looks like they are garnering very good votes to help Nana Addo make some impact overall. The demographics of 2004 has been redrawn for sure.

I am not sure whether to credit the sophistication of the voters this time round, or the work of the parties or the disillusionment of some voters or simply a new phenomenon that there has to be a change after eight years. many results are showing that voters in the swing regions are truly unpredictable. like I noted above, look at Accra.

Certainly, if what we are hearing is accurate, then this election has shown that you must be working and not be shooting your mouth at all. Barton Oduro after 16 years of continuous battle against Christine Churcher since 1992 finally grabbed the Cape Coast seat for NDC, making the NPP candidate Amponsa-Dadzie small kwata-kwata.. this of course helped AgyaAtta to grab valuable points there.

by the same token, Nduom was made small even in his own backyard. his people in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem showed him a big red card forgetting all he did for them as an Assemblyman and then as their MP. they have just chopped his money kEkE!! CPP overall has really had a very bad showing thus far.. we are hearing though that perhaps Samia Nkrumah might have grabbed Lee Ocran's seat. I am awaiting final news with my own ears since I heard it from a BlaTogbe who did not sleep. Did I hear about Freddie Blay also?

meanwhile there are some great websites which are simple and cool with the certified results. Oh by the way, Weija results are almost ready bit because of some small problems it looks like they will be working on doing some work before they release.. there are some small claims of small issues with results from one of the stations. check out http://www.ghanaelectionshotline.com/ghana/results.php for example

Hmmm..This is not the time to be sitting close to some of the candidates as an Advisor. One wonders whether the candidates were being told what they should have been hearing or simply that they latched on to the candidates for their money - here I am refering to both presidential and parliamentary. I am now wondering why some of these parties especially the DPP, RPD, DFP thought they could do something big in this election. The confession of Amoafo-Yeboah that it is tough campaigning and the toll it takes on the person and cost of running around the campaign made him do only one round barely and so he will be thankful if he even got just one vote. he said this in his interview with Mirror.

The Voter has shown that (s)he is king.

For me the biggest lesson I want to take away is that, we must bring this voting phenomenon to the local government as well..and at the appropriate time in the future, we must elect some other key officials to deliver a solid mandate - Education, District Public Prosecutor, District Tankas. maybe the Old motowners lurking in the background will flesh out the proposals with the right blefo!! This time round, parties will take it well. I am beginning to doubt - no, I am now sure that the party manifestos played a very little or no role in this election. It was a tradition in the traditional strongholds but the swing states just said, if you do some step aside or something to that effect.

This day will also be some day to look out for..

more to come. Good Morning

Bla Elik
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To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 012

1920hrs - Monday Dec 08


Akyeame, I thought I was done for the day because I was looking at how close the election had been and left to go run around town to sense the feeling in town and to whittle a bit of the tension away. Guess what, folks had flocked the Accra Mall in some sort of a shopping excursion.. but mostly, enjoying themselves in the Food Court and the movie theatre there (which by the way is showing some of the very latest movies released.

I noticed that quite a lot of people had found solace at the beach today.. Some of you may have probably realised that today is a holiday in Ghana not because of election celebrations but to commemorate the 2nd muslim holiday of the year. so it’s been cool.

Of course there have been very isolated incidents of disagreement with either the collation or the declaration of the results and in one or two cases, political party reps have refused to sign the final declaration sheet so results have not been released there. in one case, the EC person said, it was his domain and that all effort had been put in so I believe he went ahead to tell the folks he will release the results.. but these are the few ( and I mean few) incidents being reported. You see the issue is that once the results have been counted at the polliing station and declared there, there is no need to actually count the ballots papers at the collation centre for the constituency but to just add the numbers from the reporting sheets. The problem is that some folks claim that that one two three addition "arithmentic" has proved hard for some. hahahahahaahaa

On a more serious note, this has been the closest call election that NO one has as yet charged foul- RIGGING IN PROGRESS - everybody knows my man, AfariGyan, and his team did and have done a great job so far and they will do a great job bringing all this to a cool end within the next 30 hours or so.

Everybody seems surprised with the results and no one is taking anything for granted... but the key issue is that everybody is taking it very cool - or at least looks like (s)he is. But I am still missing analysis. I think however that Ben Ephson has worked himself into the pundit of the year because he talked about this likely polling result way back and rapped everybody on GTAccra and Central and the narrow gaps in the North, Ashanti and some few seats for NPP in Volta. It is really getting to the crap expulsion stage for some, I tell you!!!

Normally in situations like this, an underdog would have prepared for a long battle or at least a second round.. but when the sucess seems likely straight away, then the question that flies onto the table is whether they are prepared to deal with the strategic requirements. similarly, if the strategy of one is a one-touch victory, then under the circumstance, are they also prepared for the strategic dimensions and parameters of the second round given the emerging environment.. Whatever side this flies, the map of Ghana has been redrawn and politicians better beware of the voters

• No more willl Politicians make themselves inaccessible after they are elected
• No more will Politicians make promises they cant keep
• No more will politicians think their seats are safe
• No More will politicians think thiers is a tradition
• No More will politicians take all they hear from their strategists to heart
• No More will the Voters allow the Politicians set the agenda and pack same on some shelves
• No more will Politicians do only what their parties want them to do but consider what their people want them to do
• No more will Politicians take the Voters for Granted -- and this holds even for the WorldBank constituencies


This has been one big lesson in strategic thinking. Ghana is on the ball. We await and we shall be counting our beans

I am really excited that this election has proved to be harder than the hardest Sodoku puzzle. Right now, both sides are reviewing teh numbers from the remaining constituencies yet to be declared and looking not only at the eligible voters list but the actual valid votes cast. surprisingly, like Chairman Mao noted this morning, rejected ballots were plenty paa... and guess what.. it was only this evening that it clicked. like Nkosuo's photo, the left index finger was dipped into ink when you got your first ballot paper --- and a very very educated friend of mine just commented that he used that finger to Thumbprint the ballot ( and he is not a leftie) and it was when he went to the parliamentary and found that the left finger was dry and he was almost left in a quandry that his wrist touched the small mentholatum size ink container for thumbprinting. It was like a light lit up in my face and he asked me what I was glowing about - of course I did not leak the secret.. but I tell you I am sure many people tried to force to thumbprint with that index finger.. come to think about it some of the print marks on teh ballot papers at my polling station looked smaller than thumbnails. Education is what we need to break this jinx if indeed, my hunch is correct.


I am really looking to end this tension. Haba.

I beg, I will cut this here less I have nothing else to write later tonight.

This election Hu Paaa.. I wont stop saying it!!!


more to come.

Bla Elik

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To: Okyeame Akyeame
Subject: Bla Elik on the line - 013 - The penultimate

2058hrs - Tuesday Dec 08

Akyeame,
24 hours ago I noted that the die was cast for Ghana to redraw its political map.

well, 48+ hours into the game, those sitting on thorns have seen that the hand under the blanket has been pushing the thorns through the blanket some more into their buttocks.. Some people have started taking Oral Dehydration tablets, others have not eaten and ALL have not slept waiting for the EC Strong Room to release their good tidings or their knockout matches. This is as tight as one can have it. I recall the days that boys (who were sons of asofo or strict poppies) will borrow their paddies fashionable trousers for that cool trip to Holy or Debu.. if you didn’t asked early, you got a tight "trou" (read undersize) and woe betide you if you dont arrange the kingly assets well.. it really is tight so you cant bend down and you cant keep standing... and you cant stop to enjoy waaakye or Yorks on the way because of the stomach pressure impact on your belt. thats what you will call a romantic "connumbrom" (Ao, Papa Nii, where are you?). Fellow Akyeame, we have a real show to watch.

Too many questions hang in the air in the remaining time before Opani AfalJan (Uncle Kojo Awotwe, you dey?) would be compelled by law to name the name!!!

** will all the votes be in? if they are all not in, would we use the equation of relevance to declare? that is would ewe assess the value of the remaining constituencies to determine whether they are relevant or not?

** Since the Parties see the final (pre-certified at the national level) results before they are taken to AfariDjan to sign, what would you do if they start jubilating in the strong room before the man gets before the microphone?

** With the kind of Parliament we seem to be getting, we would have two scenarios to deal with- one with Mills as Pres with a very tight NDC Majority or Nana with a very tight NDC majority. if its the latter, would NDC be the Opposition side or will the President be on the Opposition?. Take Case Two (NDC Parliament under Nana Presidency), NDC as majority will head the Finance, Legal & Constitutional, Business select Cttes of Parliament, and in that case, since the party of the Govt cant superintend over itself, would NDC (or maybe Samia of CPP) head the Public Accounts Ctte? what I am saying is that there will be an intrigue in the house

** Going even further, as you know, we have a situation where many NPP stalwarts decided to retire from Parliament and didn't contest. Others also lost their future prospects during the primary process and now a good number have also lost their seats to NDC. then the few sympathisers from CPP & PNC have all been cleared. On the other hand, almost all except Kumbuor and Ayariga are coming back on the side of NDC. so this will be a really tight parliament.

** then to compound it all, if Nana wins then he has to appoint the majority of Ministers from the House, and with their ministerial duties, the NDC will surely have a field day. so it would be iinteresting to find out if Nana ( as President) will help reduce the majority impact by appointing some NDC folks to Ministerial Positions.. or will this be the best trigger and reason to have a very small Ministerial Pool. Are we considering, non-MPs for the Regions, then say 15-20 Ministers and a new cadre of Special assistants or Political Chiefs of Staff at the Ministries. It would be interesting to see how the appointment train would be handled. If Agya-Atta wins, he will also have the same trouble with the ministerial appointments. This calls for serious strategies.

** With the performance of the other parties at the level at which they are, one wonders how they will be in a position to broker the deal. I think the final deal will come from all those who chose not to vote especially in the worldbanks of the parties. remember that I reported that someone I know decided to return home. The real broker, if we head for a second round is NOT the 250-300K votes of the other guys (presidential candidates) but the 20-30% of the eligible who either could not or chose not to vote, if they are indeed not fictional names on the register. I think that largely, people who thought of cheating had nowhere to pass because of the generally tight system put in place PLUS the general vigilance of the onlooker plebians like myself.

Now, that there is a probable chance of going to the second round, I am wondering if the parties will meet to take into account all the isolated cases of problems that led to recounting etc... because, based on what happens, the results are checked and authenticated at the polling station publicly and signed by everyone in the circle (EC,Party Reps) and watched by one of the many observer groups. At the collation centre, its just addition of the reported votes from the individual sheets. so when recounts are requuested, it could only come from wrong transcription of the results on the forms from the polling stations - but remember the photo sent by Kwame A. II of a filled electoral results sheet from one of the polling stations? unless, the carbons shift and the papers are twisted somehow. Hmmmm... in any case, this time round, the EC, NDC and NPP had seals on the ballot boxes so how did/can people open the ballot boxes and what was/would be the purpose of the seal numbers? I rest my case.

Let me take this opportunity to note once again something I said yesterday -

No more willl Politicians make themselves inaccessible after they are elected. No more will Politicians make promises they cant keep.. No more will politicians think their seats are safe. No More will politicians think theirs is a tradition. No More will politicians take all they hear from their strategists to heart. No More will the Voters allow the Politicians set the agenda and pack same on some shelves. No more will Politicians do only what their parties want them to do but consider what their people want them to do. No more will Politicians take the Voters for Granted -- and this holds even for the "worldbank" constituencies.

Today however, I will conclude that these lessons will serve as one big lesson in strategic thinking.

Ghanamen are simply waiting. the tension is high not in terms of anxiety but in terms of eagerness to have this thing put to bed by the EC sooner than later.. but thankfully, the parties will know before AfaliJan and we pray that they dont start shouting before AfaliJan stands (he likes sitting before the mike actually) to tell us - what we have been waiting to hear - That a winner has been obtained. we hope there is no "but..." coming with the announcement but whatever it is, we shall take it. Thanks be to Ghanaians!!! My only problem is that my whole index finger is like the yommo sellers finger. I hope we dont go through it again because it feels good but really looks ugly

Good night.

This election Hu Paaa.. I wont stop saying it!!!

more to come.

Bla Elik

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EPILOGUE AND THE AFTERMATH

This diary is being shared on this blog with kind permission of the Okyeame list (I didn’t ask for permission... shhhhh!)

The election results were announced on Wednesday December 10 at about 14:30hrs by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission. He started by noting that there was no legal provision on the Statute Books of Ghana requiring or even suggesting that the electoral results must be announced within 72 Hours. Rather it was the EC’s own administrative decision to make every effort to do so.

He called on the media, the political parties and any legal luminaries to come out if they knew of such provision. To date, no one has come out. So the matter died a natural death. All the assertive professors have “been muted” (sic!)


The EC announced that Nana Akufo-Addo had 49.13% with Prof Atta Mills getting 47.9% of the votes so a second round has been slated for Sunday December 28, 2008 (14 days after the 1st round – this one a legal condition!!)

So maybe Bla Elik will come back with a second round diary as well. Come back. You need to because the aftermath has been a very intensive period of endorsements, press conferences, renewed and rejuvenated media advertising blitz with all levels and extremes of decorum, intense discussion on radio and television. Its been a charged Ghana waiting to break the near jinx of a nearly-won election for one party and a blowing wind of change for another.

Parliament has been sorted out to some extent but there are a few challenges to the gazetted results in about 5-6 constituencies.... so we don’t know whether the NDC114, NPP108, CPP1, PNC2, Independent 5 + the 2 undeclared will hold or not. Surely, interesting times await Ghana in the days to come!!.

I love the excitement.

Thank you, God, for letting me be born a Ghanaian!!