The Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to rerun parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency has triggered sharp political tensions, with accusations and finger-pointing flying in Parliament and on national TV.
During a heated parliamentary session on Thursday, July 4, members of the Minority accused the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission of attempting to unfairly tilt the scales in favour of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). One MP voiced his frustrations on the floor of Parliament:
“We woke up to a surprise announcement by the Electoral Commission that there will be elections on July 11. They are dealing with issues of their own integrity… What has changed? We should be careful with how we are managing this democracy.”
The announcement came as a shock to many, especially given the EC’s previous silence on the matter. Critics in the Minority suspect that the sudden decision might be politically motivated, describing the timing and communication as suspicious.
Meanwhile, NDC MP and National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has taken a jab at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for rejecting the EC’s decision.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV, Vanderpuye dismissed the NPP’s claims, accusing the party of rejecting the rerun out of fear of losing.
“The only reason the NPP has taken this position of rejecting the rerun in the 19 polling stations is because they foresee defeat,” he said.
“If the NPP claims these polling stations are their strongholds, then why are they afraid? Let’s grow up, sit down, and follow the EC’s directive. Whoever wins, wins.”
He further urged political actors not to over-politicize the matter, pointing out that the outcome of the Ablekuma North seat would not drastically shift the balance of power in Parliament.
The EC, in a statement earlier this week, explained that the decision to rerun the vote was due to procedural irregularities—specifically, unverified pink sheets and chaos during the initial collation. Despite the pushback from the NPP, the Commission insists that the rerun, scheduled for Friday, July 11, will proceed as planned.
