The recent parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North, a constituency in Ghana, concluded with a victory for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. This outcome, according to former Member of Parliament Inusah Fuseini, is not attributable to the Electoral Commission (EC), but rather to internal discord within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which fielded Nana Akua Afriyie. Fuseini contends that the NPP’s leadership is responsible for the loss, citing their mixed messaging and lack of clear direction, which ultimately led to voter apathy among NPP supporters.
Initially, the NPP had rejected the court-ordered rerun and declared a boycott, accusing the EC of breaching directives. This decision, however, was later reversed by Nana Akua Afriyie, who decided to contest the election, citing a responsibility to the constituents of Ablekuma North. This reversal, occurring against a backdrop of pre-existing internal tensions within the NPP, inadvertently fueled confusion and ultimately contributed to the party’s defeat. Fuseini argues that the NPP’s initial boycott call likely discouraged a significant number of their supporters from participating in the rerun, directly impacting the final outcome.
The final vote count revealed a narrow victory for the NDC candidate, with 34,090 votes compared to Nana Akua Afriyie’s 33,881 votes – a difference of only 209 votes. This slim margin reinforces Fuseini’s argument. He posits that had the NPP presented a united front and actively encouraged voter participation, they could have easily secured the additional votes needed to retain the seat. The low voter turnout, particularly among expected NPP supporters, further strengthens this assertion. While the EC had anticipated approximately 5,600 voters across the 19 designated polling stations, only about 3,000 ballots were cast, indicating a significant absence of potential NPP voters.
Fuseini laid the blame squarely on the NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), arguing that their actions amounted to a “total breakdown of control and direction.” Instead of focusing their efforts on mobilizing voters and supporting their candidate, the NEC’s conflicting pronouncements and internal disagreements created an environment of uncertainty and disillusionment. This, in turn, translated into a lack of enthusiasm among party loyalists and ultimately cost them the election. He suggested that the NEC owed an apology to Nana Akua Afriyie and the NPP supporters in Ablekuma North for their mishandling of the situation.
The Ablekuma North by-election stands as a stark example of how internal party dynamics can dramatically influence electoral outcomes. While the NPP focused its criticism on the EC, alleging irregularities, Fuseini’s analysis suggests that the party’s internal struggles played a far more critical role in their defeat. The initial boycott call, followed by the candidate’s decision to run, created a confusing and contradictory message for voters. This lack of consistent communication, coupled with the pre-existing internal tensions within the party, likely demoralized supporters and contributed significantly to the low voter turnout.
In essence, the Ablekuma North by-election was not simply a contest between two candidates; it was also a reflection of the internal struggles within the NPP. The party’s inability to present a united front and mobilize its base ultimately paved the way for the NDC’s victory. This case underscores the importance of internal cohesion and strategic decision-making within political parties, especially during crucial electoral contests. The NPP’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential consequences of internal discord and the importance of clear and consistent messaging to voters. The NEC’s actions, according to Fuseini, not only undermined their candidate’s chances but also damaged the party’s credibility and standing within the constituency.
