Ablekuma North Election Rerun

It is a contest which never saw proper finality because of a stalemate in the results collation on December 7, 2024 and so had to go for a re-run today. Indeed, the Ablekuma North Election re-run represents a critical moment for the democratic process of the Country. It is therefore incumbent on the referee, in this case the Electoral Commission to ensure that the election comes off clean. Transparency and integrity are cornerstones of a strong democracy. The EC must therefore implement rigorous processes to prevent electoral fraud and provide impartial monitoring. Additionally, fostering public trust requires effective communication from the EC, informing citizens about the voting process and the steps taken to secure a fair election. So far it has turned out to be a hot contest between Ewurabena Aubyn of the NDC and Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the NPP, as reports indicate massive turn out by voters in the 19 polling stations to determine who finally gets the nod to represent the good people of Ablekuma North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region.  The decision of the NPP Hierarchy to initially boycott the polls, meaning the NDC was going to go solo, nearly threw the entire contest into a facade. It had to take some defiance and boldness on the part of some NPP big wigs at the constituency level to back their candidate, Madam Akua Afriyie to launch herself forward for the contest today. The elections, even though smooth at the moment, has seen some isolated skirmishes among some party people, with  a few Journalists on the receiving end of some dirty slaps from the police on duty. The flashpoint is the Odorkor Methodist Polling Station where some blows have been exchanged, with pushes and shoves among party faithful. Infact, the police service must be commended for its swiftness in interdicting one officer who failed to control his temper as he unleashed some hefty slaps on a poor journalist reporting on the melee. The police is  signalling that it will no longer countenance deviant behaviour from recalcitrant officers. Officers on duty must know that they are working to advance our democracy and ultimately its development. Any action that will be seen as reversing the gains must be nipped in the bud. Ultimately, a successful rerun in Ablekuma North may reinforce citizens’ faith in the democratic process, setting a positive precedent for future elections. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure that this election is a true reflection of the people’s will, thereby strengthening the foundations of democracy in the country. For now, Parliament is awaiting whose name will be submitted as the true representive of the people of Ablekuma North. Will it be Ewurabena Aubyn of the NDC or Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the NPP? Ghanaians wait with baited breath. 

WRITTEN BY: EWURABENA PAHA.

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