The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed its preparedness for the Akwatia by-election on Tuesday.
The by-election follows the passing of Member of Parliament Ernest Yaw Kumi and will be contested by Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the NPP, Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the NDC, and Owusu Patrick of the Liberal People’s Party.
In 21 electoral areas, 52,328 voters are estimated to cast ballots at 119 polling places.
The Commission has deployed 484 temporary election officers with returning officers, presiding officers, technicians, verification officers, and ballot issuers in inclusion.
Addressing the media, the EC Eastern Regional Director John Appiah Barfour assures that all election supplies, such as ballots, voter registration forms, and Biometric Verification Devices, had arrived, packaged, and would be delivered in time for the polls to open at 7 a.m.
“We are ready for tomorrow. All our officers have been trained, and we have engaged all political parties. They have pledged their support to ensure a peaceful election,” he said.
He also guaranteed that security has been reinforced, with police deploying a mobile prison van to deal with any misconduct on election day.
“Security is superb. If somebody comes and misbehaves, the person will be imprisoned. There’s no challenge at the moment, and we are not expecting any challenge because we’ve done our homework very well,” he assured.
Mr. Barfour urged residents of Akwatia to turn out in their numbers, assuring them of safety at the polls.
“They should come out in their numbers to vote. They should not be afraid. The security is here to protect them.” He said.
He also advised nonresidents of Akwatia not to come and cause chaotic scenes but to respect all the rules governing the election.
Meanwhile, police on Monday started the deployment of personnel to the various polling stations.
Author: Jasmine Adjei
Development journalist
