Tongo (U/E), July 14, GNA - The incumbent Member of Parliament for Talensi in the Upper East Region, Mr John Akolgo Tia was returned as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate.

Mr Tia, the only contestant for the NDC slot in the constituency, was declared unopposed at the Delegates' Congress held at Tongo, capital of the newly created Talensi/Nabdam District.

Delegates, well-wishers and party sympathisers burst into an enthusiastic jubilation when Mr Rashid Salifu of the Bolgatanga Municipal Office of the Electoral Commission (EC) declared the incumbent MP's candidature unopposed.

After that, it was all jubilation amidst dancing and singing of praises, highlighting the achievement of Mr Tia for the past 11 years that he had been the MP for the area.

Some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and People's National Congress (PNC), who had crossed into the camp of the NDC, came forward to declare their support for Mr Tia.

In an address, Mr Tia said he was overwhelmed by the continuous confidence, faith, love and support that the people had for him, pledging that he would not let them down.

While expressing his appreciation to the chiefs and people of the constituency, and party supporters, Mr Tia urged them to work hard and close their ranks to ensure unchallenged victory for the NDC. A Former Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Lionel Molbila, who chaired the function, advised supporters of the Party to do their campaigning devoid of insults and confrontations.

He also advised them to be vigilant during the upcoming elections, and show interest in the various election processes to forestall cheating.

Earlier, the Constituency Chairman Mr Patrick Kuug, had urged Party supporters to vote for the NDC and Mr Tia, because of his humility, good community relations and continuous interest in the development of the area.

The Upper East Regional First Vice-Chairman of the Party, Mr Richard Adua, the Second Vice-Chairman and Mr Robert Apasenaba witnessed proceedings at the congress.

One hundred and thirty-eight delegates drawn from 69 polling stations in the constituency attended the congress.