Voting begins across 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North

Voters in the Ablekuma North constituency are casting their ballots today in a crucial parliamentary rerun that could reshape the political landscape in the area.

The Electoral Commission (EC) is conducting fresh voting in 19 polling stations following months of legal battles and allegations of electoral irregularities stemming from the December 7, 2024, general elections. The rerun, according to the EC, is aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring the legitimacy of the final outcome.

The controversy began after inconsistencies in the collation process were uncovered, including disputes over unauthenticated pink sheets that raised questions about the credibility of results from several polling stations. After careful review and legal proceedings, the EC decided that a rerun was the most transparent and constitutional solution.

While the EC has defended its decision as necessary for electoral integrity, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has remained sharply critical. The party rejected the EC’s move, arguing that it contradicts a High Court directive which, in their view, called for the collation—not a rerun—of the disputed results.

Despite the party’s official boycott, the NPP’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, has decided to participate in the rerun, defying her party’s stance. Her move has divided opinion within the NPP ranks, with some national executives distancing themselves, while others, including a few MPs, have joined her on the campaign trail.

Vote counting is expected to begin shortly after polls close, with results anticipated within hours.