The defeated Progressive People’s Party’s (PPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abbrem (KEEA) Constituency, John Sterlin, has said he will be contesting the results of the 2016 election in his constituency.
Mr. Sterlin has told his supporters that he has officially decided to request a recount of all ballots in the constituency parliamentary elections, according to a statement from him.
The PPP candidate lost the election to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Samuel Atta Mills, polling 18,860 as against the winner’s 21,957.
But in his statement, Mr. Sterling insisted that he “won Elmina hands down” and that he has evidence of irregularities during the election.
“I do have evidence that leads me to believe that there were irregularities in the electoral process that led to my loss in the 2016 elections. I was the unifying candidate. NDC, PPP and NPP members all voted for me. The records are there. I am the inclusive people’s choice in KEEA drawing heavy votes from every electoral area.”
“I have consulted with my advisors and we have decided to officially request a recount of all ballots cast in the KEEA constituency, both Presidential and Parliamentary because it appears that irregularities occurred before the counting of ballots to prevent a challenge of the results in court.”
“Once the recount is done we will make a final decision on whether to pursue the matter in court. We trust that this will be complete within 21 days of the announcement of the results,” Mr. Sterlin stated.
Mr. Sterling is an in-law to the PPP Flagbearer Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, on whose business investments he campaigned on in the constituency.
Dr. Nduom was once the MP for KEEA in 2004 on the ticket of the CPP, when the NPP didn’t contest the election because of an agreement he had with them.
Find below John Sterlin’s full statement
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE RESULTS OF KEEA 2016 GENERAL ELECTIONS
Good morning fellow citizens of the Republic of Elmina and the KEEA constituency.
First let me give thanks to our party founder and Presidential Candidate, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom. All of us should be proud that all of the smartest commentators in Ghana have described Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, a son of Elmina in the Central region as the best presidential candidate in the 2016 elections.
And let me thank the good people of Akatakyiman, Edinaman, Eguafoman and Abreman of the KEEA constituency, the constituency executives and their zonal executives, the polling station executives and agents, the regional executives and the national executives, for organizing a very successful elections, and the media for honouring my invitation.
I know many of you are disappointed at the results so far. I am happy to note that I won Elmina hands down. I also won the hearts and minds of the majority of the citizens of KEEA.
I do have evidence that leads me to believe that there were irregularities in the electoral process that led to my loss in the 2016 elections. I was the unifying candidate. NDC, PPP and NPP members all voted for me. The records are there. I am the inclusive people’s choice in KEEA drawing heavy votes from every electoral area.
I have consulted with my advisors and we have decided to officially request a recount of all ballots cast in the KEEA constituency, both Presidential and Parliamentary, because it appears that irregularities occurred BEFORE the counting of ballots to prevent a challenge of the results in court.
Once the recount is done we will make a final decision on whether to pursue the matter in court. We trust that this will be complete within 21 days of the announcement of the results.
Whatever the outcome of the recount and the case, you and I know that I am your MP. I am your representative. I will continue to work with my team to improve the lives of all Ghanaians living in our constituency.
It is my hope that the constitution will be amended so that we can have elections for MMDCEs starting within the next four years. We will work hard to support energetic individuals with a progressive mind and incorruptible spirit to represent us at the Municipal level in KEEA.
To all of you who have committed your time, your resources, your passion and your prayers to our campaign – we thank you abundantly. We will not forget you and your efforts were not in vain.
We have started a movement, a progressive movement here in our home. This movement will live longer than all of us. This movement will ensure that all of our children receive an education from kindergarten to senior secondary school. This movement will ensure that we end preventable diseases that are killing our brothers and sisters unnecessarily. This movement will give all of our youth the JOBS JOBS JOBS that we need so all of us can have opportunity, dignity and a long happy life.
The 2016 elections was a great wind of change. We have not yet received the change that we want in KEEA. but remember this is not a 100 metre sprint. And if it was, even “Usain Bolt” has been retired. No one wins forever. It is a marathon. I will be here with you every step of the way.
And mark my words, the glory will be ours very, very soon.
God bless you and congratulations to all the participants in the 2016 elections. We fought hard. We have some serious issues to investigate, but for now, let’s count the blessings we have and enjoy the weekend after the election.
John Sterlin, PPP Parliamentary Candidate, KEEA.
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