The flagbearer
of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, says
the party is ready to engage the Electoral Commission (EC) to address
infractions detected by the party’s monitoring teams in the recently held
Kumawu by-election.
His comments follow
allegations by the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency,
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding alleged vote-buying by the New Patriotic
Party (NPP).
An executive of
the NDC, Nurudeen Hamidan, also warned all party agents on voting day, May 23,
not to sign pink sheets until voting ends.
Mr. Hamidan gave
the warning to party agents after the NDC claimed it detected some pink sheets
that had already been signed, even though voting was still ongoing at the time.
Mr. Mahama
stated in a Facebook post on May 25 that credible elections depend not only on
persons recruited by the EC as officials but also on agents and representatives
of political parties.
“To the
Electoral Commission, you are once again reminded that a credible election
depends as much on the persons you recruit and appoint as presiding and other
officers as much as it depends on the collaboration with the agents and
representatives of the political parties. Many of the infractions observed
should not have occurred. Our monitoring teams that ensured the early detection
of these infractions will be looking forward to engaging further to ensure that
these issues are definitely dealt with and corrective measures taken ahead of
any other election,” the former President said.
The NPP’s Ernest
Yaw Anim polled 15,264 votes in Tuesday’s election, defeating the National
Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Kwasi Amankwaa, and the two Independent
Candidates, both of whom are named Kwaku Duah.
The NDC’s Kwasi
Amankwaa garnered 3,723 votes, while Kwaku Duah (1) had 2,478 votes, and the
other Kwaku Duah managed a paltry 62 votes.
The by-election
followed the demise of the MP for Kumawu, Philip Basoah.
Read below Mr.
Mahama’s full Facebook post
Congratulations
to the people of Kumawu for the peaceful conduct of Tuesday’s parliamentary
by-election.
Of course, I
cannot forget the warmth of the people and the enthusiasm demonstrated when I
led a delegation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to campaign for
our candidate, Kwasi Amankwaa. I am very grateful.
That enthusiasm
was aptly demonstrated in the increased number of votes our candidate garnered
in the poll – 1,284 actual votes representing an increase of 52.6% over our
2020 performance.
That is
significant, especially in the face of the deliberate vote buying undertaken by
the NPP, even at the polling stations, and the deceit of the people with
asphalt roads, and the fact that the constituency has historically been an NPP
stronghold.
The election
result is a great sign from the good people of Kumawu.
Judging from the
results, the ruling NPP has clearly recorded a significant reduction in the
OVERALL votes in their strong hold, and for me, that is a great sign from the
good people of Kumawu.
We may not have
succeeded in flipping the seat, but I am proud that, as a collective,
spearheaded by our National Chairman and General Secretary, we have had the
opportunity to test our reviewed electoral operational procedures, including
monitoring, party agent selection and training, collation, and transmission of
results.
I would want to
congratulate the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and his men and women for
their assistance in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the polls. The conduct of
the police personnel gives us confidence for the future that they will continue
to bear true allegiance to the state and not to any political party.
To the Electoral
Commission, you are once again reminded that a credible election depends as
much on the persons you recruit and appoint as presiding and other officers as
much as it depends on the collaboration with the agents and representatives of
the political parties.
Many of the
infractions observed should not have occurred. Our monitoring teams that
ensured the early detection of these infractions will be looking forward to
engaging further to ensure that these issues are definitely dealt with and
corrective measures taken ahead of any other election.
Thank you to the
team from the branches, constituency, region, national, and the many selfless
members of our party who were in Kumawu to assist in various ways towards the
improved outing in this by-election.
Congratulations,
Kwasi Amankwaa. You can count on the party for the utmost support to enhance
the gains of the NDC in the main election in 2024.
All in all,
Kumawu has had positive outcomes for us, and we must apply lessons learned
speedily even as we head towards the pending Assin North by-election.
Finally, I
extend my congratulations to the Member of Parliament-elect Ernest Ayim.
#BuildingGhanaTogether
#TheGhanaWeWant
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