"We wish both contestants best of luck at tomorrow's polls” — EC sets stage for rerun in Ablekuma North Constituency

The Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa, has extended her best wishes to the two parliamentary contestants ahead of the highly anticipated rerun of elections in Ablekuma North Constituency, scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the EC Chair, Jean Mensa, Deputy EC Chair, Bossman Asare assured the public of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent process.

“We wish the two contestants the best of luck at the polls tomorrow,” she stated, emphasizing the Commission's desire to bring a conclusive end to the protracted electoral process in the constituency.

The Ablekuma North parliamentary results, still unresolved nearly seven months after the December 2024 general elections, have been a source of legal and political contention.

Following a High Court ruling on January 4, 2025, instructing the EC to complete the collation of results in four constituencies — including Ablekuma North — the Commission successfully completed three.

However, a series of delays, fire outbreaks, and security concerns hampered efforts in Ablekuma North.

Out of 281 polling stations, collation was completed for 278.

The remaining three, and a broader dispute over 37 scanned Pink Sheets — most of which were supplied by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) — led the Commission to engage with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and NPP in efforts to reach a consensus.

Ultimately, the EC announced a rerun in 19 polling stations, based on the lack of verified confirmation from Presiding Officers for those locations.

The other 18 polling station results — part of the 37 scanned Pink Sheets — had been verified and authenticated by Presiding Officers and were therefore retained.

Mr. Asare expressed disappointment over the lack of consensus between the two major parties but reaffirmed the EC’s independence and its legal mandate to act in the interest of democracy.

She further noted that the Ghana Police Service and the National Election Security Taskforce (NEST) have pledged full support to ensure the safety of voters, officials, and election materials throughout the rerun process.

“The aftermath of the 7th December election and attempts to complete the collation in 12 constituencies created fear among our staff and voters. We trust that the NEST will provide the needed security so we can vote and work in peace,” she added.

As constituents in Ablekuma North prepare to cast their ballots in the 19 polling stations, the EC Chairperson urged all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure a peaceful and credible outcome.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith