EC Concludes Candidate Nomination for March 3 Ayawaso East Parliamentary By-Election

Introduction: A Crucial By-Election in Ghana’s Capital

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has formally concluded the nomination process for the highly anticipated Ayawaso East Parliamentary by-election, scheduled for March 3, 2024. This event marks a pivotal moment for the constituency, located within the heart of the Greater Accra Region, as voters prepare to elect a new Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them in the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic. The by-election was necessitated by the untimely passing of the previous MP, creating a vacancy that must be filled according to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. With five candidates officially cleared to contest, the campaign period is now officially underway, setting the stage for a decisive electoral contest in this urban constituency. This article provides a detailed, SEO-optimized breakdown of the by-election, covering the confirmed candidates, the electoral framework, historical political dynamics, and essential information for voters.

Key Points: The Official Candidate Lineup

The Electoral Commission has vetted and approved five aspirants to appear on the ballot paper for the Ayawaso East by-election. The order of candidates on the ballot, as determined by the EC, is as follows:

• Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed – National Democratic Congress (NDC)
• Ali Baba Yussif – New Patriotic Party (NPP)
• Ibrahim Iddrisu – Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
• Umaru Sanda – Independent Candidate
• Kanor David – Independent Candidate

According to the EC’s public statements, all five candidates successfully met the statutory requirements, which include filing nomination forms, securing the mandated number of proposers and seconders from the constituency’s registered voters, and paying the required deposit. This clears the final procedural hurdle, allowing all candidates to begin official campaigning under the EC’s code of conduct and Ghana’s electoral laws.

The Major Contenders: NDC vs. NPP

The political landscape is dominated by the two major parties: the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NDC’s candidate, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, is a familiar figure in the constituency, having previously served as the MP for Ayawaso East. The NPP’s candidate, Ali Baba Yussif, represents the governing party’s effort to capture the seat from the opposition. The contest between these two candidates is expected to be the most intense, reflecting the national political rivalry and the seat’s strategic importance in Parliament.

Background: Understanding Ghana’s Parliamentary By-Elections

To fully appreciate the significance of the Ayawaso East poll, it is essential to understand the context of parliamentary by-elections in Ghana. A by-election, often called a “bye-election,” occurs when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant between general elections. Common causes include the death of an incumbent, resignation, bankruptcy, or a court declaration of vacancy.

The process is governed by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, which operates under the mandate of the Constitution and the Representation of the People’s Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284). The EC sets the nomination date, validates candidates, and conducts the poll. For a candidate to be validly nominated, they must:

1. Be a citizen of Ghana.
2. Be a registered voter in the constituency.
3. Have the nomination form signed by at least two registered voters in the constituency as proposers and supported by at least eighteen other registered voters as seconders.
4. Pay the prescribed nomination deposit (non-refundable unless the candidate wins the election).

The Ayawaso East constituency is one of the constituencies in the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly of the Greater Accra Region. It is an urban area with a diverse population, and its electoral outcomes are often seen as a barometer for political sentiment in the capital city.

Analysis: Historical Trends and Political Significance

Analyzing the Ayawaso East by-election requires looking at its historical performance and the current national political climate.

Historical Electoral Performance

Ayawaso East has traditionally been a stronghold for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In the 2020 general election, the late MP, who was from the NDC, secured the seat with a significant margin over the NPP candidate. This history gives the NDC an institutional and organizational advantage in the constituency. However, the NPP, as the party in government nationally, will leverage its resources and development initiatives to make a competitive push. The performance of the two independent candidates and the LPG candidate could also influence the final outcome, potentially drawing votes from the major parties if they have localized support or specific issue-based platforms.

National Political Climate and Voter Sentiment

By-elections are often interpreted as mid-term referendums on the performance of the sitting government. For the NPP government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, this by-election is an opportunity to demonstrate continued public approval and to weaken the opposition NDC’s parliamentary numbers. Conversely, for the NDC, holding the seat is crucial to maintaining its presence in Parliament and projecting an image of resilience. Key local issues in Ayawaso East may include sanitation, youth unemployment, infrastructure, and access to education and healthcare, which will likely feature prominently in campaign messages.

Practical Advice for Voters in the Ayawaso East By-Election

For eligible voters in the Ayawaso East constituency, participating in this democratic process is fundamental. Here is essential practical information:

1. Confirm Your Voter Registration Status

Before election day, every voter must confirm they are on the voters’ register for the Ayawaso East constituency. This can be done via:

• The EC’s online voter register verification portal.
• Sending a text message with your Voter ID number to a designated EC shortcode.
• Visiting your local EC office or the designated exhibition center for the supplementary register, if applicable.

If you are not registered, you may not be eligible to vote in this by-election, as it is a specific constituency poll.

2. Know Your Polling Station

The EC will assign each registered voter to a specific polling station. Voters should check their voter ID card or the final voters’ register to know the exact location (e.g., a school, community center, or polling place) where they must cast their ballot on March 3.

3. Election Day Procedure (March 3, 2024)

Polling stations will typically open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT. Voters must:

1. Present their voter ID card (Ghana Card or Voter ID) to the presiding officer.
2. Have their name and ID checked against the register and be marked with indelible ink on the finger.
3. Receive a ballot paper with the five candidates’ names, emblems, and positions as listed above.
4. Mark their choice with the provided stamp or pen in the designated space next to their preferred candidate’s name and emblem.
5. Fold the ballot paper and deposit it in the sealed ballot box in full view of party agents and observers.

Important: Do not mark the ballot paper in any other way, as it may be rejected as a spoilt ballot.

4. Observing the Process

Citizens have the right to observe the electoral process as accredited media, party agents, or domestic observers. Organizations like the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) typically deploy observers to monitor transparency and fairness. Voters can also observe the counting process at their polling station after polls close, provided they do not disrupt it.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Ayawaso East By-Election

What is a parliamentary by-election?

A parliamentary by-election is a special election held to fill a vacant seat in the legislature (Parliament) between general elections. It is triggered by the vacancy of a specific constituency seat.

Why is the Ayawaso East seat vacant?

The seat became vacant following the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, who passed away in late 2023. This necessitated a by-election per Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.

Who is eligible to vote in this by-election?

Only registered voters whose names appear on the Ayawaso East constituency voter register and who are 18 years or older, of sound mind, and not disqualified by law (e.g., for certain criminal convictions) are eligible to vote.

What time do polls open and close?

According to EC regulations, polling stations are open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on election day. Voters in the queue at 5:00 PM will still be allowed to vote.

What happens after the results are declared?

The candidate who receives the simple majority (more votes than any other candidate) is declared the winner by the EC’s returning officer. The winner becomes the new Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East and is sworn in, taking their seat in Parliament.

Are there any legal challenges possible?

Yes. The election process is governed by Ghana’s electoral laws. A candidate or a political party may file an election petition in the competent court (usually the High Court) if they believe the election was not conducted in accordance with the law or if there was corrupt or illegal practice that affected the result. Such petitions must be filed within strict statutory time limits.

Conclusion: The Democratic Imperative

The March 3, 2024, Ayawaso East Parliamentary by-election is more than just a local contest; it is a fundamental exercise in Ghana’s democratic continuity. With five cleared candidates from diverse political backgrounds, the constituents of Ayawaso East hold the power to choose their next representative in Parliament. The Electoral Commission of Ghana has completed its administrative duties, and now the focus shifts to the campaign trails, public engagement, and ultimately, the ballot box on March 3. For a healthy democracy, high voter turnout and a peaceful, transparent process are paramount. All eligible voters are encouraged to verify their registration, locate their polling stations, and exercise their constitutional right and duty to vote. The outcome will reflect the will of the people of Ayawaso East and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.

Sources

• Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) – Official Communications & Candidate Nomination Results (2024).
• 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, Articles 112 & 113.
• Representation of the People’s Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284).
• GhanaWeb, MyJoyOnline, and Citi Newsroom – Reported developments on the Ayawaso East by-election timeline and candidate vetting (February 2024).
• Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) – Past by-election observation reports for contextual methodology.