The Ablekuma North constituency is poised for a decisive rerun election on Friday, July 11, 2025, following a protracted stalemate over the parliamentary results. The Electoral Commission (EC) has mandated the fresh polls across 19 polling stations, encompassing 6,839 registered voters, to address discrepancies related to the verification of results from the original election. This rerun carries significant weight as the outcome could potentially sway the balance of power in Parliament, determining whether the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) achieves a two-thirds majority. The highly contested seat is currently a tight race between Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC.
Preceding the rerun, a meticulous collation of results from the previously counted polling stations revealed a razor-thin margin separating the two candidates. The NPP’s Afriyie holds a precarious lead with 32,512 votes, a mere 48 votes ahead of the NDC’s Aubynn, who secured 32,464 votes. This narrow gap underscores the critical importance of the rerun election, as the votes from the remaining 19 polling stations could potentially swing the final outcome in either direction, leaving both candidates and their parties on tenterhooks. The high stakes involved have galvanized both the NPP and NDC, with party leaders and prominent figures descending upon the constituency to bolster their respective candidates’ campaigns.
The buildup to the rerun has been marked by tension and controversy. The NPP initially contested the EC’s decision to conduct a rerun, asserting victory based on their interpretation of the original election results. This resistance added a layer of complexity to the already fraught situation. However, despite the initial objections, the EC has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the rerun, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. The EC has assured the public of its preparedness to oversee a smooth and fair election, highlighting measures taken to address the earlier issues that necessitated the rerun.
Adding to the already charged atmosphere, both candidates have publicly expressed unwavering confidence in securing victory. NPP’s Akua Afriyie, in a spirited address to the media, invoked religious imagery, declaring herself “the light” and “the truth,” asserting that her victory is divinely ordained. This statement reflects the intensity of the political battleground and underscores the deeply personal nature of the contest. Meanwhile, the NDC camp remains equally optimistic, banking on the potential for a surge in support from the remaining voters to propel their candidate to victory.
In anticipation of potential disruptions and to maintain order during the sensitive rerun, the Ghana Police Service has deployed a robust security contingent throughout the Ablekuma North constituency. Their presence is intended to deter any potential attempts at electoral malpractice or violence and to instill confidence among voters. The police have issued a public statement reassuring citizens of their commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral environment. They have urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and the general public, to cooperate fully with security personnel and adhere strictly to electoral regulations.
The Ablekuma North rerun election is not merely a local contest; it carries national significance due to its potential impact on the composition of Parliament. The pursuit of a two-thirds majority by the NDC adds a weighty dimension to the proceedings, signifying a quest for greater legislative control. For the NPP, retaining the seat is crucial to thwarting the NDC’s ambitions and preserving a balance of power within the legislative body. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly have repercussions that extend beyond the boundaries of Ablekuma North, shaping the political landscape of Ghana in the coming years. All eyes are now on the constituency as the nation awaits the final verdict of the ballot box.
