The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vehemently denounced the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to rerun parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North constituency, characterizing it as a blatant abuse of electoral authority and a politically motivated attempt to undermine the democratic process. The EC scheduled the rerun for July 11, 2025, citing discrepancies in pink sheet verification, but the NPP has categorically rejected the move and declared its intention to boycott the rerun. This decision has escalated political tensions in the country, particularly following the closely contested general election held just months prior.
The NPP’s rejection of the rerun stems from their conviction that their candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, had already secured a legitimate victory in the December 2024 elections with a substantial lead of 414 votes. The party argues that the EC’s decision disregards established legal procedures and undermines the credibility of the electoral process. They accuse the EC of attempting to override the will of the people and have called on the Commission to adhere to the court’s directive by finalizing the collation and formally declaring Afriyie as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North.
The NPP’s Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, has appealed to the international and diplomatic community, civil society organizations, and the media to intervene and condemn what he terms an unlawful interference in the democratic process. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process and urged all stakeholders to uphold the principles of justice and legality. Mohammed underscored the importance of media scrutiny in ensuring that the right thing is done and preventing the normalization of illegality and injustice.
The NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, reiterated the party’s unwavering stance, affirming their refusal to recognize or participate in the rerun. He emphasized that the NPP’s decision was reached during a National Executive Committee meeting, where the party resolved not to participate in any rerun under any circumstances. Kodua stressed that their candidate’s victory was based on verifiable facts and figures, and the EC’s decision to hold a rerun was a clear attempt to subvert the democratic process and disenfranchise the voters of Ablekuma North.
The NPP’s boycott of the rerun represents a significant escalation in the political standoff between the party and the EC. This move highlights the deep-seated mistrust between the two entities and raises concerns about the potential for further political instability. The NPP’s call for international intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the party’s perception that the EC’s actions pose a direct threat to democratic governance in the country.
The controversy surrounding the Ablekuma North rerun has exposed underlying vulnerabilities in the electoral system and the potential for manipulation. The NPP’s firm stance and its appeal to the international community underscore the importance of upholding democratic principles, ensuring transparency in electoral processes, and respecting the will of the people as expressed through the ballot box. The outcome of this standoff will have far-reaching implications for the future of democratic governance and the credibility of electoral institutions in the country.
