The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has meticulously outlined the regulations for the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary primary, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025. This election is being held to fill the vacancy left by the untimely demise of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who tragically perished in a helicopter accident on August 6, 2025, along with seven other individuals. The party’s commitment to a transparent and democratic process is reflected in the comprehensive guidelines designed to ensure a smooth and credible election.
The voting exercise will commence at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m., with four strategically positioned ballot boxes allocated to specific electoral areas within the Tamale Central constituency. To further streamline the process and prevent any irregularities, delegates will be required to present a QR-code-enabled tag containing their personal information, along with a secondary form of identification such as a voter ID card, Ghana Card, or a valid NDC party membership card. This dual verification system aims to ensure that only eligible individuals participate in the election.
Security arrangements for the primary are robust, with a deployment of approximately 250 joint security personnel tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants. Accredited observers will be allowed to monitor the proceedings from designated supporters’ stands within the Tamale Stadium. Access to the inner perimeter of the voting area will be strictly controlled, requiring prior clearance from the election officials. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of the voting process and prevent any undue influence or interference.
The regulations also address the representation of candidates within the polling stations. Each candidate will be permitted to appoint four agents per ballot box to observe the voting process. However, only one designated agent per candidate will be authorized to sign the final collation sheet, ensuring a clear and undisputed record of the results. Furthermore, each candidate will be allowed two accredited representatives within the inner perimeter of the voting area.
Stringent measures are in place to prevent any potential breaches of electoral integrity. Delegates will be prohibited from bringing mobile phones into the voting booths to prevent any attempts at recording or transmitting sensitive information. Furthermore, candidates are expressly forbidden from transporting delegates to the polling station or engaging in any form of campaigning on the grounds during the election exercise. These measures aim to create a level playing field and prevent any undue influence on the voting decisions of the delegates.
The four polling stations have been strategically mapped out to cover all electoral areas within the Tamale Central constituency. Station 1 will cater to regional and constituency executives, as well as delegates from Agric Mohiyebihi, Gumbihini North, and Aboaboo Ward. Station 2 will serve delegates from Moshi-Zongo, Tishigu, Salamba, ADB, Warizihi, and Gumbihini South. Station 3 will accommodate delegates from Dakpemfong, Buglanfong, Sabonjida, and Victory Wards. Finally, Station 4 will cater to delegates from Changli, Choggu West, Dohinaayili, Zogbeli, and Lamacara. This meticulous allocation of polling stations ensures convenient access for all eligible delegates and promotes efficient management of the voting process. Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, Northern Regional Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, has emphasized that these measures are intended to guarantee a transparent, credible, and smoothly conducted election, reflecting the party’s unwavering commitment to fairness and internal democracy.
