The Central Tongu Constituency branch elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), scheduled from June 28 to July 4, have become embroiled in controversy due to widespread allegations of procedural violations, discord, and executive interference.
The electoral process commenced on Saturday, June 28, coinciding with a scheduled petition hearing that was initially set for June 27 but was canceled on directives from the Regional Administration and subsequently rescheduled for Sunday, July 28. Elections proceeded in branches where no petitions were pending.
**Key Allegations Against the Electoral Process**
Stakeholders and affected aspirants have identified seven significant infractions that have rendered the polls contentious:
1. **Non-Availability of Updated Voter Registers**
At several centers, aspirants alleged that updated voter registers existed but were not made available for campaign purposes. These registers were only presented at election venues, leading to disruptions. Affected aspirants accused officials of misconduct.
2. **Inclusion of Unknown Names on Registers**
Branches such as RC Church and Global Church, Adidome, reportedly contained names of individuals unfamiliar to branch executives and not residing within those branches.
3. **Incorrect Election Dates**
Election teams were accused of announcing one date while conducting polls on another. A specific instance involved a branch at Market Square, Mafi Kumase, where the date was altered without adequate notice.
4. **Inadequate Registration Arrangements**
Although efforts were made to raise awareness for new membership registration, no registration officers were deployed to the 112 designated centers. Many prospective members who arrived to register were turned away. Nevertheless, election-day registers reflected a surge in new names, raising suspicions.
5. **Violation of the 10-Day Notice Rule**
The Constituency Chairman issued notice of the polls on June 24. According to NDC guidelines, elections should have commenced on July 4; however, voting began on June 28, merely four days after the notice.
6. **Failure to Notify Branches**
The Branch Election Guidelines stipulate that the Constituency Chairman must communicate with each branch regarding the specific time, date, and venue for elections. This requirement was allegedly not fulfilled prior to the commencement of voting.
7. **Executive Interference**
Several Constituency Executives with vested interests in the outcomes were accused of undermining the process and allegedly manipulating results to favor preferred candidates.
Party insiders contend that the “unknown” updated registers became a focal point of contention because branch executives, who are responsible for recruiting and verifying members, were excluded from the process. The delayed release of registers at polling centers, combined with multiple violations of the NDC Branch Election Guidelines, has exacerbated mistrust and conflict.
Critics assert that when Constituency Executives with interests in the results control the electoral process, the credibility of the elections is compromised. These actions are perceived as efforts to protect the incumbent Member of Parliament.
**Branches Where Elections Were Resisted**
As of the time of this report, voting was resisted or disrupted in at least nine areas due to the aforementioned issues:
1. Asiekpe
2. Adidome Global
3. Assemblies of God, Adidome
4. Fiekpe
5. Agoe
6. Atixoe
7. Akyemfo A & B
8. Kpogede
9. Feda—where a ballot box was reportedly seized after the team allegedly conducted elections secretly on the incorrect side of the community.
Source:Dela Radio
