Commentary on Chereponi by-election

Every Ghanaian owes it an obligation to support the Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair, transparent by-election in Chereponi. The constituents must conduct themselves responsibly to ensure the election of the best candidate to represent them in Parliament.

Ghanaians must, however, expect a grueling contest between the two leading parties, the ruling NDC and the opposition NPP. Both parties have indeed braced themselves to emerge victorious in Chereponi in view of what it means for their numbers in Parliament.

The NPP would want to consolidate its gains following its victory in the last election re-run in Akwatia. Even though the seat belongs to the NPP, expect the NDC to match them boot-for-boot since a win is likely to boost itS dominance of Parliament. Also two straight electoral defeats at the hands of the NPP is likely to dampen the morale of NDC party faithfuls.

The election is very open to both the NDC and the NPP because both parties have since the return to democracy in 1992 rotated the seat between them. In 1996, Mahama Yahaya, won the ticket for the NDC with 9,092 votes representing 52.8% of total votes cast with his closest challenger being Jakpa Mariba, of the erstwhile People's Convention Party, who garnered 3,825, which is 22.2%.

In 2000 the people again gave it to the NDC this time with Mohammed Seidu Abah as the Candidate. He had 6,270 votes representing 44.7%. He was followed by Bawa Ali of the People's National Convention, PNC with 3,879 representing 27.6% of the votes.

In 2004 the constituency had its first woman Parliamentarian in the person of NPP's Doris Seidu. She snatched the seat with a total vote of 6,873 being 33.8% of total votes cast. She was followed by the then incumbent, Mohammed Seidu Abah of the NDC who secured 5,561 votes being 32% of total votes cast. Doris Seidu retained the seat in 2008 with a total vote of 9,188 representing 51.3% of total vote cast. She was followed closely by Seidu Abah again for the NDC who had 7,648 representing 43.6% of votes.

This probably shows that Chereponi is a swing constituency with no single party having a clear monopoly. The NDC has Samuel Jabanyite whiles the NPP has fielded Abubakari Aminu as its candidate.

The DPP is represented by Fati Illiasu and the PNC, Rebecca Namana Jabari. The New Vision Party is represented by Yaw Issah bringing the number of contestants to five. Judging by what happened in Akwatia, it is hoped security will be tightened to forestall any untoward occurrence.

The best honour the people can do to the memory of Doris Seidu is to hold a peaceful election. They must elect a hardworking and dedicated leader who can articulate their concerns in Parliament. The contesting parties are advised to desist from busing people to Chereponi to cause confusion.

Only people with their names in the voters register must attempt to vote on the “D”-day. A lot has been said about politics being a dirty game. No wonder some people refer to it as politricks. Our politicians owe it a responsibility not to lend credence to this inference.

The candidate who emerges victorious in tomorrow's bye-election must be an accomplished person and easily approachable. He or she must be development oriented looking at the deprivations in the area. Chereponi is another test case for Ghana's fledgling democracy which has received international acclaim.

Nothing must be done to dent this enviable image. The whole world is watching and nothing must be left to chance. The Electoral commission has proved capable in previous by-elections and must not let this opportunity to slip by to prove to the outside world that Ghana's democracy has come of age.

The election is not a do or die affair and people must see it as such. The parties must rein-in their supporters so that at the end of the day peace will prevail and the elected candidate accepted by all parties.

By: Justice Mingle, Journalist