Battle for Chereponi seat begins today
By Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh, Ghanadot
Accra, Sept 29, Ghanadot - Voting
is underway in Chereponi in the Northern Region of Ghana.
According to our correspondent, this morning the people of
the area were turning out in their numbers to cast
their votes.
Ghanadot’s correspondent says to ensure fool-proof security
during today’s bye-election in the Chereponi constituency,
10 policemen, six of them armed, have been stationed at each
of the 55 polling stations.
Additionally, three checkpoints have been mounted at each
point of entry to the constituency.
Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni,
who disclosed this said people going to and from the town
were also being searched thoroughly.
He reiterated the determination of the security agencies to
ensure a violence free poll Tuesday, assuring that they had
made adequate preparations to nip in the bud any attempt to
breach the peace.
He therefore cautioned those who might be habouring any
intention to cause trouble to reconsider it or face the full
force of the law.
He advised all those who have nothing to do at Chereponi to
stay away and allow the people of Chereponi to decide who
represents them in Parliament.
This is being triggered by the passing away of the late New
Patriotic Party Member of Parliament, Doris Asibi Seidu in
July, this year.
A few days ago, the peace of the town was disturbed when a
shooting incident seriously injured a number of New
Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters who had to be rushed to the
Yendi government hospital for surgical operation to save
their lives. The parties contesting today’s electoral duel
are the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New
Patriotic Party (NPP), the People’s National Convention
(PNC), the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) and the New
Vision Party (NVP).
Going into the electoral duel for the NDC is a 36-year-old
teacher, Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, Abubakari Aminu Gariba,
also a teacher, is going for the NPP; with Mr. Issah Yaw
contesting for NVP. There are two female contestants in the
race represented by Rebecca Namana Jabali of PNC, 47 and
Fati Eliasu for the DPP.
High profile personalities of the two leading parties, NDC
and NPP have visited the locations to give moral support to
their men and women on the ground.
However, political analysts say the nasty scene which
preceded today’s event have informed a discussion as to
whether bye-elections should continue to be countenanced,
considering that the Akwatia limited re-run also drew blood
leaving behind bitter memories of politics in the minds of
many.
They wondered that whatever the outcome of today’s duel, it
can be concluded that violence is still a part of politics
in the country, despite the signing of various documents
binding on politicians to play the game by rules, and
regulations.
Ghanadot
