adverts
Residents of Abokobi in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency are gearing up for a rerun of the parliamentary election at the Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2 polling station.
This follows the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to annul results from the polling station due to procedural errors.
On December 28, the EC announced that results from the polling station had been invalidated because election officials mistakenly recorded them on an incorrect sheet instead of the official pink sheet, a critical document for collating and declaring election results.
adverts
The rerun is expected to resolve the parliamentary contest, which has been left in limbo as a result of the annulled results.
In conversations with residents, many expressed their determination to participate in the rerun and voiced strong support for their preferred candidates.
A significant number of residents openly backed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Elikplim Akurugu, declaring her as their choice for Member of Parliament.
“We’ve already made our decision,” a resident stated. “Elikplim Akurugu is the MP we want, and nothing will change that—even with a rerun.”
Others criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Mike Oquaye Jnr., citing dissatisfaction with the party’s performance in the constituency.
“For years, the NPP has held this seat, and we’ve seen no tangible progress. This rerun is our chance to change that,” remarked another resident.
The EC’s decision has sparked contrasting reactions from the NDC and NPP, intensifying tensions between the two parties.
The NDC has condemned the decision to annul the results, describing it as baseless and unwarranted. Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, criticised the EC for what he called unnecessary interference in the electoral process.
“We believe the results already reflect the will of the people,” Dr. Rashid stated. “This rerun serves no purpose other than to disrupt the momentum of the NDC’s candidate, who was on the verge of a historic victory.”
Conversely, the NPP welcomed the EC’s decision, arguing that the rerun is necessary to ensure transparency and fairness. Gary Evans Nimako, the NPP’s Director of Elections and Research, accused the NDC of causing disruptions during the collation process, leading to irregularities.
“This rerun is an opportunity to set the record straight,” Nimako stated. “We are confident that our candidate will emerge victorious when the process is done properly.”
Political analysts have weighed in on the upcoming rerun, with many predicting that it may not significantly alter the overall outcome of the election.
Pollster Musah Dankwah noted that pre-election surveys and exit polls had placed Elikplim Akurugu ahead of Mike Oquaye Jnr.
“Our data showed Elikplim Akurugu enjoying 54% support compared to 46% for Mike Oquaye Jnr.,” Mr. Dankwah explained. “Barring any major shifts, it seems unlikely that the NPP will retain this seat, as it is poised to flip to the NDC.”
The rerun at Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2 polling station has become a critical test of electoral integrity in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency.
The EC’s decision has put a spotlight on the importance of strict adherence to electoral procedures and the potential impact of administrative errors on election outcomes.
Both parties have intensified their campaigns in the affected polling station, emphasising the stakes for their candidates and the broader political narrative.
As residents prepare to cast their votes once again, the rerun promises to be a closely watched event. The outcome will not only determine the constituency’s representation in Parliament but also serve as a barometer for public trust in the EC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.
The rerun date has yet to be finalised, but residents and political actors alike are bracing for what could be a pivotal moment in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency’s political future.
