By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Over 49,000 registered voters in the Ayawaso East Constituency are heading to the polls today to elect a new Member of Parliament (MP) following the passing of the long-serving legislator, Alhaji Mahama Naser Toure.
The by-election, mandated by the Ghana’s electoral management body, the Electoral Commission (EC), was triggered after the death of Mr. Toure on January 4, 2026, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Known affectionately as “McNaza,” Toure was a four-term MP for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and served as the Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee.
Five candidates are vying for the vacant seat across 113 polling stations:
Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (NDC): The former High Commissioner to Nigeria secured the top spot on the ballot after a High Court dismissal of a lawsuit challenging his primary victory.
Yussif Baba Ali, representing the opposition New Patriotic Party, is looking to make inroads in what has traditionally been an NDC stronghold.
Ibrahim Iddrisu is running on the ticket of the Liberal People’s Party (LPP). With Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Sanda, contesting as an Independent candidate after defecting from the ruling NDC.
Mr. David Akonor is also running as an Independent candidate.
Although all five candidates are saying victory will be theirs, independent polls by organizations like Global InfoAnalytics project a strong showing for the NDC’s Baba Jamal; NPP leadership remains optimistic about an upset.
The EC has confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements have been finalized to ensure a credible and orderly process.
Speaking on Monday, March 2, 2026, the EC’s Director of Research, Fred Tetteh, assured the public that the commission is prepared for a “well-organized” exercise.
“This by-election, which is a parliamentary type of election, is first-past-the-post. So, one vote can make a difference,” Tetteh stated. “When it is proven that a fraudulent activity took place, the commission will make a decision.”
The EC has also issued a stern warning against electoral misconduct, specifically targeting vote-buying. Officials emphasized that any proven case of malpractice would attract severe sanctions. Under Ghana’s first-past-the-post system, the candidate with the highest number of valid votes, regardless of the margin, will be declared the winner.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has deployed a heavy presence of personnel to ensure law and order throughout the day.
Voting officially commenced at 7:00 a.m. and is expected to close at 5:00 p.m.
