The people of the Northern regional town of Chereponi would today go to the polls to vote for a replacement for the late Member of Parliament for the constituency, Doris Seidu who passed away about two months ago.

A few days ago, the peace of the town was disturbed when a shooting incident seriously injured a number of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters who had to be rushed to the Yendi government hospital for surgical operation to save their lives. The parties contesting today’s electoral duel are the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the People’s National Convention (PNC), the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) and the New Vision Party (NVP).

Going into the electoral duel for the NDC is a 36-year-old teacher, Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite. Abubakari Aminu Gariba, also a teacher, is going for the NPP; with Mr. Issah Yaw contesting for NVP. There are two female contestants in the race represented by Rebecca Namana Jabali of PNC, 47 and Fati Eliasu for the DPP. Speaking to the Daily Guide yesterday, the Yendi Divisional Police Commander, Superintendent Osei Oscar Amevenos said there had been reinforcement to beef up security, putting the security strength at about 700. The five parties taking part in the electoral duel took turns to hold rallies to convince the electorate.

High profile personalities of the two leading parties, NDC and NPP have visited the locations to give moral support to their men and women on the ground. The nasty spectacle which preceded today’s event have informed a discussion as to whether by-elections should continue to be countenanced, considering that the Akwatia limited re-run also drew blood leaving behind sour memories of politics in the minds of many. Whatever the outcome of today’s duel, it can be concluded that violence is still a part of politics in the country, notwithstanding the signing of various documents binding on politicians to play the game by rules.

Source: