EC says it’s ready for the Jirapa elections tomorrow
Audrey Micah, Ghanadot

Accra, April 6, Ghanadot - The Electoral Commission (EC) said it is fully prepared for the April 7 by-elections at Jirapa. Acting Director of Public Affairs at the Commission, Christian Owusu Parry revealed that all essential preparations have been made in expectation of a free and fair election.

In spite of assurances from the EC, the NPP in the area is accusing the ruling party of vote buying, but the NDC has however denied allegations.

Christian Owusu Parry disclosed that all is set for the polls and since it is for only one constituency, the results would be declared in good time but declined to put a time line to it.

He noted that all the election material including ballot papers, indelible ink and clarification of results forms among others have been sent to Jirapa for the election.

Christian Owusu Parry added that they as a Commission do not have any challenge as yet regarding the elections.

He said the by-election is devoid of the tension and anxiety that characterized the last general election.

Mr. Parry added that the Electoral Commission foresees a problem-free election on April 7 2009.

Three candidates from three political parties, namely the National Democratic Congress, (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) have filed their nomination to contest the parliamentary poll.

They are Francis Bawaana Dakura, a 49-year-old anthropologist who is contesting on the ticket of the NDC; Justin Dakorah, 58, a Director of Education and a former District Chief Executive for Jirapa, and a young, female teacher, Miss Joycelyn Angsiema, 33, for the DPP.

The bye-election has become necessary following the death of Mr. Edward Kojo Salia, Member of Parliament for the constituency. The Constituency has 105 polling stations.