Political analyst Alex Emmanuel Nti says the decision by the Tamale High Court to order a rerun of the Kpandai constituency election is not surprising.
The outcome, he noted, is not surprising because the election was guided by laws, specifically C.I. 127, and if individuals or parties believe the polls were marred with irregularities, they have an obligation to go to court and challenge it.
He said as a country that is governed by laws and democracy, the decision of the court should not be surprising.
Speaking in an interview on “Nyankonton Mu Nsem” on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, he said, “The outcome of the court case was not surprising.
It was not surprising because the 2024 general elections were guided by rules and regulations including C.I. 127. The law also provides an opportunity for those who have concerns over the results to go to court. All those who contested the elections were aware of this, and so we should not see this as shocking.
As a country governed by laws and the practice of democracy, we should also always use the court of law in challenging the outcome of an election if we feel there were irregularities. There is no other way to deal with electoral disputes aside from going to court.”
The Kpandai seat, he stated, is not a safe seat for any of the two political parties nor a “virgin seat”.
He explained that since we started using the ballot to elect our parliamentarians and President, the NDC has won the Parliamentary seat five times while the NPP had won two.
He said, “In terms of presidential, the NDC had never lost, but for the Parliamentary, the NDC won five while the NPP won twice. That means the seat is not a ‘virgin’ seat. The people will decide who should lead them during the by-election.”
Mr. Alex Emmanuel Nti was however quick to add that based on some by-elections held recently, the people have voted for the ruling government following what is perceived to be their performance.
That, he said, may play a key role in securing them a victory.
“It will depend on the dynamics on the day of the election. However, the NDC can capitalize on what former President Akufo-Addo said during the Assin North by-election, where he told the constituents that he could not work with an MP from the opposition when he held office.
Responding to the question of whether the Kpandai MP can still go to Parliament following the outcome of the case, he said the NPP MP can still be the MP following the stay of execution he had filed.
“I have read some documents showing that the MP has filed a stay of execution and if that is the case, the judgement by the High Court would have to be on hold until the stay of execution case has been heard and the appeal is over. But if there is no stay of execution, he could be cited for contempt if he goes to Parliament.”
The Tamale High Court has ordered a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary election within 30 days, after upholding a petition challenging the validity of the election results due to alleged irregularities in the voting and collation processes.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
