NPP takes swipe at the EC and the Police for breach of electoral procedures

Mr Freddie Blay addressing the media,

The National leadership of the NPP has expressed regret at what they call unfair treatment on the part of the EC and the Upper East Regional Police Command to disorganize the party ahead of the impending Talensi-by-election. 

At a press briefing held today in Bolgatanga, the Vice Chairman of the party, Freddie Blay, accused the EC for failing to furnish them with the list of electoral officials, particularly presiding officers and polling station assistants to conduct the polls. 

He said the action by the EC was in direct violation of Regulation 17 clause 6 of C.I 75, which mandates every political party or eligible voter the right to object to any illegal appointment of electoral officers within three days after the names of the proposed officials have been published. 

Mr Blay, also chastised the Regional Police Command under the leadership of DCOP Simon Afeku, for siding with the ruling government to frustrate and disrupt the campaign of the NPP slated for Sunday, July 5. 

With barely three day to the impending Talensi by-elections, the eight political parties that have filed their nominations to contest in the said elections are embarking on vigorous campaigns in a bid to solicit vote from electorates.  

The situation on the grounds attest to the fact that all the political parties are determined to annex the seat which has become vacant following the exit of Robert  Nachinab Duameng Monsore, the MP for the area. 

Mr. Monsore, officially resigned from parliament after his enskinment as Tongo Rana, Kubilsong Nalebegtan, Paramount Chief for the Tongo Traditional Area. 

The upcoming by-election will take place in 74 polling stations across the Talensi constituency. Per the provisions made  in the C.I 75, political parties involved are supposed to be furnished with names of the EC officials for the smooth conduct of the elections but this has not been done. 

This the leadership of the NPP has stated was in contravention of the country’s electoral laws. According to them, several appeal to the EC for a copy of the list of electoral officers had not been met. 

Mr Freddie Blay further blamed the Upper East Regional police Command to taking an entrenched position as far as the provision of security for the upcoming by-election is concern. 

For the party, the police is only succumbing to the wishes of the ruling party. 

This, Mr Blay, lamented was an affront on the integrity and professionalism of the police service because the constitution mandates them to be loyal to the state and the constitution and not to any political party. 

He said the position of the police not to provide security at the party’s campaign rally is unfortunate.