The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won a tightly contested parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North, a constituency long considered a stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Ewurabena Aubynn, the NDC candidate, secured 34,090 votes, narrowly defeating the NPP’s Nana Akua Afriyie, who polled 33,881. The result marks only the second time since 1992 that the NDC has captured the seat.

The rerun was held across 19 polling stations following months of political and legal uncertainty. The original parliamentary vote during the December 2024 general election ended in controversy after the Electoral Commission (EC) withheld the final declaration due to irregularities, including the submission of unauthenticated pink sheets.

Court Ruling and NPP Boycott

Both parties initially claimed victory after the December polls, with the NPP insisting Afriyie had won by a margin of 414 votes. However, a High Court ruling in January 2025 directed the EC to resume collation, but missing endorsements and procedural inconsistencies led to the announcement of a full rerun.

The NPP leadership protested the decision and announced a boycott. Despite the party’s stance, Afriyie defied the directive and re-entered the race, receiving quiet support from several grassroots members and senior figures within the party.

Violence and Disruption on Election Day

The rerun was held under heightened political tension and increased security. Aubynn campaigned as a reform-minded candidate focused on transparency and change, targeting younger voters and swing constituents.

Voting on Friday was marred by isolated incidents of violence. At one polling station—St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church in Odorkor—unidentified individuals disrupted the process, and both Afriyie and former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson were reportedly assaulted.

In a separate incident, a police officer was filmed slapping a journalist, prompting the Ghana Police Service to announce the officer’s interdiction.

Despite these disruptions, voting continued across all stations and concluded peacefully in most areas.

Shift in Political Landscape

Ablekuma North, located in the Greater Accra Region, had been held by the NPP since its creation. Analysts say the loss represents a significant blow to the opposition party, raising questions about internal divisions and strategic missteps.

Observers also believe the party’s mixed messaging about its participation in the rerun may have led to voter apathy and lower turnout among its supporters.

Looking Ahead

Aubynn’s victory gives the NDC another seat in Parliament and a symbolic boost as the country begins to look ahead to the 2028 general elections. The Electoral Commission is expected to formally declare the results and publish them in the official gazette in the coming days.

Source:TheDotNews