If the NPP claims these polling stations are their stronghold why are they afraid?

July 3, 2025

National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) Nii Lante Vanderpuye has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of opposing the Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun parliamentary elections in parts of the Ablekuma North Constituency because they fear losing.

He said, “If the NPP claims these polling stations are their stronghold, then why are they afraid? The only reason the NPP has taken this position of rejecting the rerun in the 19 polling stations is because they foresee defeat. Let’s grow up, sit down, and follow the EC’s directive. Whoever wins, wins.”

Vanderpuye also expressed concern about the ongoing tension, noting that the two female candidates from both parties are facing emotional stress because of the political deadlock. He added, “The two ladies are going through emotional stress and we are not being fair to them. In the interest of peace, national unity and development, this rerun must happen.”

The Electoral Commission announced a rerun of the parliamentary election in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North. The rerun is scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025, after a dispute between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP over the results from the December 7, 2024, general election.

In a statement issued on July 2 and signed by Deputy Chairman of Operations Samuel Tettey, the EC said the decision was reached after a meeting with both parties on July 1.

The NDC raised concerns about scanned Pink Sheets from 37 polling stations, alleging that they lacked proper verification and were suspiciously submitted by the NPP. The party demanded a full rerun in those polling stations. The NPP, however, argued that only three polling stations had unresolved results and that the rest were verified by agents from both parties before the collation was disrupted.

The Electoral Commission explained that the original documents were destroyed when party supporters invaded the collation centre, forcing them to use scanned Pink Sheets. To protect electoral integrity, a partial rerun in the 19 most disputed polling stations was deemed necessary.

The Commission assured the public of a fair and transparent process and asked the Ghana Police Service to provide security on the day of the rerun.

Vanderpuye stressed that the rerun would not significantly affect the current composition of Parliament, where the NDC holds the majority. He said, “That one seat won’t change anything in Parliament for the NPP or the NDC. Let’s prioritise peace and fairness.”