Polls open as NPP delegates vote in second batch of Parliamentary Primaries today

Written by Justin Tusoe

Polls have opened across 105 constituencies across the country as delegates of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) cast their votes to elect parliamentary candidates in constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament (MPs).

Voting officially commenced at 7:00 am although some constituencies have experienced delays as a result of accreditation issues. Polls are expected to close at 2:00 pm, followed by the commencement of the vote-counting process.

The party has already elected candidates for constituencies with opposition sitting MPs, known as orphan constituencies.

Out of approximately 376 aspirants who filed nominations, 326 individuals were cleared to contest, with 33 running unopposed.

Meanwhile, about 18 experienced MPs, including prominent figures like Majority Leader and MP for Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, First Deputy Speaker and MP for Kwabre Constituency, Joe Osei Owusu, and flagbearer aspirant and MP for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, have all announced their decision not to seek re-election in the upcoming 2024 polls.

Each of the 105 constituencies will have one voting centre, although additional voting centres may be established by the Electoral Commission (EC) in constituencies with many delegates to expedite the process.

The elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with particular attention on the Dome Kwabenya, Tano North, Bekwai, and Bantama constituencies due to localized contextual issues.

However, the election will not take place in six constituencies with sitting MPs due to court injunctions and other internal issues yet to be resolved by the national leadership of the party.  

These constituencies include: Mampong and Fomena in Ashanti Region, Binduri in the Upper East, Agona West in the Central Region, Akwapim South in the Eastern Region, and Sunyani East in the Bono Region.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua has warned delegates not to take videos and photos since the police will be on site to enforce electoral laws.

Editing by Emmanuel Koranteng Asomani and Peter Agbesi Adivor

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