Akwatia By-Election Results Under Legal Review, Challenge Not Ruled Out – NPP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it is carefully reviewing the outcome of the recent Akwatia by-election, with the possibility of a legal challenge not entirely ruled out.
Director of Legal Affairs of the party, Gary Nimako Marfo Esq., explained in an interview with JoyNews that although no formal decision has been taken, he has requested full documentation from the Electoral Commission (EC), including pink sheets, to assess the credibility of the poll.
“I must now look at whether there were infractions, irregularities, or unsigned pink sheets… I am not saying I’m preparing to go to court,” he clarified.
Mr. Nimako stressed that the NPP would not rush into court action but would adopt a methodical approach.
“I have to call for the documentation on the Akwatia by-election, assess the whole situation, and then I can make a determination as to whether or not the election is worth challenging,” he added.
The by-election, triggered by the passing of the late NPP MP Ernest Kumi, was won by Bernard Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a margin of over 2,000 votes.
However, Mr. Nimako cast doubt on the legitimacy of the results, drawing comparisons with past election disputes.
“When you know that parliamentary elections are ‘first past the post,’ meaning just one vote is enough to win, how then do I sit here and admit that Bernard Baidoo has won with over 2,000 votes without scrutiny?” he questioned.
While reiterating that no petition has yet been filed, the NPP legal head insisted that the party would thoroughly scrutinise every concern raised about the conduct of the by-election.
“I will assess every infraction brought to my attention on its merit,” he said.
Source: My News Ghana
