The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has issued a strong condemnation of the violence and alleged vote-buying that occurred during the parliamentary re-run elections in Ghana’s Ablekuma North constituency. Their statement criticized the actions as “acts of political thuggery, intimidation, and inducement of voters,” which threaten Ghana’s democratic principles. The re-run was necessitated by irregularities in the original December 2024 election results owing to the loss of original pink sheets, affecting 19 polling stations.
Tensions were high in the constituency as the contest renewed between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afiriyie and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Ewurabena Aubynn. The ruling Electoral Commission (EC) had faced a legal battle before deciding on a re-run after a court order in January 2025, following claims from the NPP that they had initially won the seat. The re-run, held on July 11, saw violence at several polling stations, including the Odorkor Methodist 1 and St. Peter’s, where candidates and supporters faced assaults. For instance, Hawa Koomson, an NPP candidate, was seen in a viral video allegedly defending herself using pepper spray.
The EC ultimately declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC as the victor by a margin of 209 votes. This unexpected turn has granted the NDC a historic two-thirds majority in Parliament, shifting the traditional power dynamics. Such developments have exacerbated concerns about potential erosion of electoral norms in Ghana. According to an article from JURIST, the incidents underline the urgent need for institutional reforms and effective policing to ensure credible and peaceful elections, aligning with the constitutional mandate for universal adult suffrage.
These events in Ablekuma North serve as a crucial reminder for the international community and local stakeholders about the fragility of democratic processes. The emphasis on peaceful and fair elections reflects a broader demand for accountability and stability, critical for Ghana’s future. Violence in elections poses a serious threat to the nation’s democratic evolution and must be addressed swiftly to protect its constitutional aspirations.