The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Akwatia by-election, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, emerged victorious after yesterday’s tensed voting to represent the constituents as their Member of Parliament.
As at end of press time last night, though the Electoral Commission (EC) had not finished collation to declare the total votes, everything showed the NDC candidate had won.
The NDC candidate at the end of day won over the New Patriotic Party’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu.
All indications were clear that, the NDC candidate won after tallying all 120 polling stations under the watch of party agents, security officials, and independent observers.
The by-election became necessary following the passing of Ernest Kumi, the former MP.
According to the EC, total turnout across the constituency was encouraging, despite pockets of tension earlier in the day.
Earlier, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Member of Parliament for Fomena, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, had said, whoever emerged as winner for the by-election would not have any significance or change the number narration in Parliament.
Speaking on the sidelines of the election, Mr. Asiamah, explained that while both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are fiercely contesting the seat, the outcome would not substantially affect the composition of Parliament
“When it comes to the significance of this election, personally, I do not see it. For the NPP, we are only contesting to honour the soul of our late brother, Ernest Kumi. It doesn’t change anything for us. The same way, I do not see how it adds anything to the NDC if they win”
“We are 87, they are 186. The difference is clear, and this by-election does not change that reality. It is more of a political assessment tool—an exercise to test the strength and structure of the parties after the 2024 general elections” he said.
Prediction
Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics before the election predicted a 53 per cent victory for the NDC candidate.
“For the NPP, winning Akwatia does not change anything. However, it appears the NDC wants to win the seat for bragging rights and to show that it is still popular and has the full confidence of the voters eight months after winning power. For the NPP, it is to show that its base is still solid and not fragmented as others may suggest, and that could boost the morale of the rank and file if it can win the seat again” he explained.
