NPP’s Mike Oquaye Jnr and NDC’s Elikplim Akurugu both contesting for the Dome Kwabenya seat
The Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary election at one polling station has sparked intense debates among voters in the constituency and supporters of the two main political parties.
According to the EC, the rerun will take place at the Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2, with the date yet to be determined, following the successful completion of the collation process for 367 polling stations in the constituency.
In an interview with GhanaWeb on Saturday, December 28, 2024, most voters expressed their readiness for the electoral process and confidence in the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Elikplim Akurugu.
One voter stated that the NDC candidate would secure a resounding win, even if the EC decides to conduct multiple reruns.
He emphasised that no attempts or schemes by the electoral management body would undermine the will of the people.
“The EC can decide to do this 10,000 times, and our decision will still stand. Elikplim won, and we are standing firmly behind her. I wish I could provide examples of why we voted against the NPP. My family and I supported the NPP in 2016, but over the last eight years, they have failed to listen to those who brought them to power. Do you think we will continue being fools? Let the EC proceed, and we will still vote massively. In fact, we don’t even want them to bring any ballot papers because we won’t participate,” he explained.
Another individual expressed confidence in the victory of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Mike Oquaye Jnr., asserting that the earlier declaration should have favored him.
“This happens often with the EC. I am optimistic that after the rerun, NPP’s Mike Oquaye will emerge victorious with a wide margin,” another voter opined.
Some supporters praised the EC’s decision, describing it as a step in the right direction and commending the commission for its commitment to resolving grievances and restoring peace.
However, critics, unimpressed with the EC’s handling of electoral matters since the conclusion of the elections, condemned the commission for fueling unnecessary tensions and public agitation.
“They need to take the EC to Pantang [Mental Hospital] because how can they make a decision one day and change it the next? How is this even an issue? They declared a winner and are now calling for a rerun. Even if they vote again, the NPP will still not win,” one critic expressed.
Elikplim Akurugu of the NDC was initially declared the winner of the parliamentary election in Dome Kwabenya, flipping a seat previously considered safe for the NPP.
However, her victory was marred by allegations of irregularities and claims that some pink sheets were tampered with after party supporters reportedly besieged the collation centre.
MAG/MA
