Dunkwa-On-Offin (C/R), June 30, GNA - The News Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday retained its Upper Denkyira seat in the bye-election held in the constituency.
This was the NPP's seventh successive bye-election victory and second in the Central Region.
It became necessary following the death of Mr Charles Omar Nyanor, the Member of Parliament for the area.
The NPP candidate was Mr Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, while the Democratic People's Party (DPP) fielded Madam Elizabeth Debrah. Abdulai Issaku went independent.
Even before the official results were declared, supporters of the NPP went into jubilation as provisional results from various polling stations showed the Party had taken an unassailable lead.
With results from the 133 polling station announced, the NPP had 22,958 representing 85.92 with Independent trailing by 2,059 votes whiles DPP had gained only 1,298 votes.
Defying a drizzle, the NPP supporters sang, danced and tooted car horns in the streets of the town turning Dunkwa Township upside-down as they celebrated their victory.
Although there was a sign of apathy evidenced by the low voter turnout, voting at most of the polling station started on time. There was calm at most of the polling stations as voters exercised their franchise in an orderly manner.
Most of the observer the GNA spoke with indicated that the election was free and fair.
There were security personnel at most of the centres and the usual accusations of intimidation and vote buying were absent. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not take part in the polls.
In all 26,724 votes were cast while 409 ballot papers were rejected.
Mr Ayeh in his victory message thanked the electorate for the confidence reposed in him.
He promised to settle all chieftaincy disputes in the area and also tackle education and job creation.