The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio constituency was marred by controversy as four individuals were arrested for taking pictures of their ballots.
Violating Electoral Rules
The NDC Chairman for Odododiodio, Paul Laryea, confirmed the arrests to Citi News. According to him, the electoral commission had explicitly announced before the election that no one should photograph their ballot.
Despite this warning, some individuals proceeded to take pictures of their votes. Laryea emphasized that the four individuals involved are currently in police custody.
He said the party would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity of the election and the democratic process.
A Delayed Election
The NDC parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio constituency was initially postponed indefinitely due to a court injunction obtained by a disqualified candidate, Michael Nii Yarboi Annan.
Annan was disqualified by the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC based on Article 41(8)(b) of the NDC Constitution, which stipulates that a member must be an active member of the party at the constituency level for the four years immediately preceding the date of filing nominations.
However, the court dismissed the injunction application, paving the way for the primary to take place on Sunday.
A Tight Race
Over 2300 delegates of the NDC cast their vote to elect a parliamentary candidate for the Odododiodio constituency in the Greater Accra Region. The NDC has won the seat in every election since 1992, making the constituency a stronghold for them.
The incumbent MP, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, faced a stiff challenge from three other aspirants: Nii Lante Bannerman, Samuel Nii Quaye, and Michael Nii Yarboi Annan.
The NDC has not yet announced the results of the primary, but they will select the winner to represent them in the 2024 general election. The NDC parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio constituency was a test of the party’s unity and strength ahead of the 2024 polls.
The party hopes to retain the seat and increase its parliamentary representation in the region. The party also aims to recapture the presidency from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), which it lost in 2020.
The NDC has pledged to work for the development and prosperity of the people of Ghana, especially the youth, women, and the marginalized.
The party believes that with visionary leadership and a committed membership, it can restore the confidence and trust of the electorate and deliver on its promises.
Source: Modern Ghana
