The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sharply criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana over its decision to conduct a partial re-run of the parliamentary elections in the Ablekuma North constituency. The NPP’s National Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, argues that the EC’s decision represents an inconsistency in their handling of electoral disputes, contrasting it with the Dome Kwabenya case where a re-run was not conducted despite similar concerns. Ahiagbah accuses the EC of succumbing to pressure from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the government, suggesting that the decision to hold a re-run in Ablekuma North is politically motivated and undermines the will of the voters. He maintains that the NPP will emerge victorious regardless of the re-run, expressing confidence in the party’s support within the constituency.
The controversy stems from the disputed results of the 2024 general elections in Ablekuma North, which has left the constituency without a Member of Parliament. The EC announced a re-run in 19 out of the 37 polling stations following a meeting with representatives from both the NPP and the NDC. The crux of the dispute lies in the nature of the pink sheets, official documents used to record and collate election results, provided by the NPP during the initial collation process. The EC has stated that the NPP provided scanned copies of the pink sheets for 37 polling stations, raising concerns about their authenticity and prompting the decision for a partial re-run.
The NPP, however, contends that the EC’s actions are a departure from the precedent set in the Dome Kwabenya constituency, where the NDC candidate was declared the winner without a re-run despite similar disputes over the validity of election materials. Ahiagbah’s criticism highlights the perceived inconsistency in the EC’s approach, raising questions about the impartiality and fairness of the electoral process. The NPP argues that if a re-run was deemed unnecessary in Dome Kwabenya, a similar approach should have been adopted in Ablekuma North, especially given the party’s insistence on the validity of the results from the remaining polling stations.
The EC’s decision to conduct a partial re-run in Ablekuma North has further intensified the political tension surrounding the disputed election. The NPP’s accusations of bias and undue influence on the EC raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral system and the potential for political interference. The party’s assertion that the re-run undermines the will of the people of Ablekuma North reflects a broader distrust in the EC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. The outcome of the re-run will undoubtedly have significant implications for the political landscape in Ghana and could further fuel partisan divisions.
The scheduled re-run in Ablekuma North is set to take place on Friday, July 11th, and will determine the eventual winner between Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the NPP and Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC. The contest is expected to be closely fought, with both parties mobilizing their supporters and intensifying their campaigns. The outcome of this re-run will not only determine the parliamentary representation for Ablekuma North but will also serve as a litmus test for the EC’s credibility and its ability to manage electoral disputes in a fair and transparent manner. The results will be closely scrutinized by both domestic and international observers, and will likely have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s political future.
Ultimately, the Ablekuma North re-run represents a critical juncture in Ghana’s democratic process. The controversy surrounding the EC’s decision underscores the importance of a robust and impartial electoral system that enjoys the trust of all stakeholders. The outcome of the re-run will not only decide the fate of the constituency but will also set a precedent for how future electoral disputes are handled. The EC’s ability to conduct the re-run in a free, fair, and transparent manner will be crucial in restoring public confidence and ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions. The eyes of the nation are on Ablekuma North, and the outcome of this re-run will undoubtedly shape the political landscape for years to come.
