NDC, NPP wrap up campaigns in Talensi with rallies

The governing National Democratic Congress and the opposition New Patriotic Party made their last push for the prized Talensi votes Sunday evening.

In the sweltering heat, political leaders of both parties took turns to address partisan crowds gathered to listen to them make a flurry of promises.

The Talensi constituency is voting this Tuesday to elect a new Member of Parliament after their MP was enskinned the Paramount Chief of Tongo.

Robert Mosore made history by snatching the seat from the NDC - hitherto considered a safe seat for the governing party – in the 2012 elections.

The NDC had held the seat since 1992 until 2012 when Robert won it for the NPP.

Following his enskinment, however, the seat became vacant because he is constitutionally barred from holding both tiles – MP and chief.

For about two weeks now, leaders of the two parties have been criss-crossing the nooks and crannies of the constituency canvassing for votes.

President John Mahama, ministers of state, MPs, NDC leaders are all in the constituency campaigning tirelessly.

The President addressed a massive rally at Tongo, the constituency capital, telling voters to return the seat to where it belonged, the NDC.

He said the people should vote for B.T Baba after all his initials BT, stand for Better Talensi.

The governing party hopes to snatch the seat from the NPP in Tuesday’s vote.

NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, his running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, party stalwart Alan Kyerematen, amongst many others on the NPP’s side have also pitched camp in the constituency determined to retain the seat.

Joy News Upper East regional correspondent, Albert Sore, reported the NPP flagbearer as telling voters in the Constituency to vote for the party's candidate, Thomas Duanab to send a signal to the NDC that they are tired of their mismanagement.

Both parties are pouring a lot of energy and resources in the by-election purely because of this.

Wherever the chips fall, the usefulness of winning the seat may be limited to just the propaganda value, after all this is just one out of 275 constituencies - a win or loss may mean nothing at all for next year's polls which will certainly turn on a verdict on president John Mahama's performance.