The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme(DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of opposing the Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun parliamentary elections in parts of the Ablekuma North Constituency because they anticipate a likely defeat.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, July 3, he stated that the NPP’s resistance to the rerun is rooted in fear, despite their claims that Ablekuma North is one of their strongholds.
“The only reason the NPP has taken this position of rejecting the rerun in the 19 polling stations is because they foresee defeat. If the NPP claims these polling stations are their stronghold, then why are they afraid? Let’s grow up, sit down, and follow the EC’s directive. Whoever wins, wins.”
He expressed concern over the prolonged tension, noting that the two female candidates from both parties are bearing the brunt of the political deadlock. “The two ladies are going through emotional stress, and we are not being fair to them. In the interest of peace, national unity, and development, this rerun must happen.”
His remarks come on the back of the Electoral Commission’s announcement that a rerun of the parliamentary election will be conducted in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North. This follows a protracted disagreement between the NDC and the NPP over the credibility of results from the December 7, 2024, general election.
In a statement issued on July 2 and signed by Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey, the EC said the decision was reached after a July 1 meeting with both parties. The rerun is scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025.
The NDC had raised concerns about the use of scanned Pink Sheets from 37 polling stations, alleging they lacked proper verification and were suspiciously submitted by the NPP. The party demanded a complete rerun in those polling stations.
In contrast, the NPP insisted that results from only three polling stations remained outstanding, arguing that all other scanned Pink Sheets had been verified by agents from both parties before the collation process was disrupted.
On the part of the Election Management Body(EMB), the scanned Pink Sheets were used after the original documents were destroyed when party supporters invaded the collation centre. As a result, a partial rerun in the 19 most contentious polling stations was deemed necessary to uphold electoral integrity.
Meanwhile, the Commission has assured the public of a fair, transparent, and credible process. The Ghana Police Service has also been tasked with providing security to maintain law and order on the day of the rerun.
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Mr. Vanderpuye emphasised that the rerun will not drastically alter the composition of Parliament, where the NDC currently holds the majority.
“That one seat won’t change anything in Parliament for the NPP or the NDC. Let’s prioritise peace and fairness.”
