Koku Anyidoho Commends EC’s Conduct in Ayawaso East By-Election

Certified international election observer Koku Anyidoho has praised the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) for its handling of the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election, stating that the Commission has exceeded expectations in its management of the process.

Speaking from a polling station in the constituency on Tuesday, March 3, Anyidoho lauded the EC — also known in technical terms as the Election Management Body (EMB) — for the timely deployment of election materials and personnel. He noted that polling stations were properly arranged in accordance with internationally recognised standards.

The by-election was necessitated by the passing of the sitting MP, Naser Toure Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who died in January at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Expressing his satisfaction, Anyidoho highlighted two critical benchmarks typically assessed by election observers. The first is the positioning of voting booths to ensure voter privacy. The second is the placement of ballot boxes in open and visible areas to promote transparency during the casting of ballots. According to him, the EC had adhered to these essential requirements.

He further commended the strong presence of the media at polling centres, describing it as crucial for credible and accurate reporting. However, he cautioned against commentary from individuals not physically present at voting stations, warning that such input could fuel misinformation.

A total of 49,966 registered voters are expected to vote across 113 polling stations in the constituency.

Key candidates in the race include the NDC’s Baba Jamal, the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Yussif Baba Ali, and independent candidate Mohammed Umaru Sanda. Also contesting are Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal Party of Ghana and independent candidate David Kanor.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Global InfoAnalytics between February 28 and March 1 projects Baba Jamal to secure 75 percent of the vote, with Baba Ali expected to obtain 21 percent.

Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and will close at 5 p.m., with heightened security in place as the Ghana Police Service has deployed 80 officers to each polling station to ensure a peaceful electoral process.