South Africa : Ghana's presidential results to be made public soon

Accra - The Chairman of Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, on Monday gave the assurance that the results of the presidential election would be made public soon.

The EC chairman, who is the Returning Officer of the presidential election, said in a statement that this would be done after they were received and authenticated at the EC headquarters.

"It is premature at this time for anybody to be talking about a delay in releasing results or about a winner of the election.

"I sincerely hope that politicians, journalists and commentators will make mature and informed statements in relation to the election results."

Ballots were still being counted, Monday, one day after presidential elections proceeded smoothly.

Voters went to the polls to elect a successor to President John Kufuor, who has led the country since 2000, and though the results won't be known until next week, most analysts predict a tight race between Nana Akufo-Addo and John Atta Mills.

Mr Akufo-Addo is the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party; Mr Mills represents the National Democratic Congress, founded by Mr Kufuor's predecessor, former President Jerry John Rawlings.

According to the EC, the elections on Sunday was well-organised and orderly.

Ghana has experienced an orderly democratic transition since 1992 when Mr Rawlings was elected. In 2000, he handed over power to his rival Mr Kufuor.

Ghana's six smaller political parties may end up playing a crucial role in deciding this year's winner should any winning candidate fail to get a decisive majority. - BuaNews-NNN