The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to neutralize what it describes as systematic electoral malpractices in the Ashanti Region, a known stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming Presidential and parliamentary elections.
In an exclusive interview with GHOne TV’s Ashanti Regional correspondent, Isaac Justice Bediako, an NDC member Richard Jakpa outlined the party’s strategies to safeguard the integrity of the December 7th polls in the interest of the party and Ghana’s electoral fortunes.
Mr. Richard Jakpa expressed concerns over historically high voter turnout percentages in certain constituencies within the Ashanti and Eastern regions, alleging these figures have been artificially inflated in past elections.
“Over 70% turnout in some areas is not natural,” he claimed, suggesting that such results are the outcome of “rigging techniques” employed by the ruling party which holds Ashanti as a major political stronghold.
Targeting Ashanti Region Dynamics
Acknowledging the Ashanti Region’s significant voting population and its impact on national election outcomes, the NDC security team members emphasized the importance of monitoring polling stations closely.
He noted that the region’s historically high turnout rates have consistently tilted election outcomes in favor of the NPP, preventing the NDC from forming a government.
“This time, we are prepared. We are deploying vigilant polling agents and ensuring they are fully aware of the rigging methods used in the past. Knowledge is power, and our agents and electorate will no longer fall victim to such tactics,” he said.
Alleged Rigging Mechanisms
The outspoken Richard Jakpa elaborated on specific rigging strategies he claimed were employed in previous elections. These included:
Isolation of Polling Agents: Preventing opposition agents from observing critical stages of the voting process.
Manipulation of Biometric Verification Machines: Alleged tampering with voter verification processes to inflate figures.
Complicity of Electoral Officials: Allegations that some officials collude with party agents to compromise the integrity of the polls.
He insisted that measures had been put in place to counter these practices, including improved intelligence gathering and closer monitoring of polling station activities.
“No Supreme Court Battles This Time”
The NDC official member was adamant that any election disputes would be resolved at the polling station level, eliminating the need for legal battles. “There will be no Supreme Court cases. The results will be declared at the polling stations, and that’s where we’ll ensure accountability,” he asserted.
Blocking NPP’s 85% Target
Mr. Jakpa dismissed the NPP’s 85% voter turnout target in the Ashanti Region as unrealistic. “They’re dreaming if they think they’ll achieve that. With our strategies, turnout will be in the 50% to 60% range, and anything beyond that will not stand.”
He further emphasized that the NDC is focused on ensuring fairness and preventing voter fraud through rigorous oversight at polling stations.
He reiterated the NDC’s preparation in mobilizing supporters and addressing gaps in previous elections. He, however, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to counter the evolving rigging strategies allegedly used by their opponents.
“We are matching them step for step in the field. The days of uncontested dominance in the Ashanti Region are over,” he concluded, expressing optimism about the NDC’s ability to perform better in the region during the upcoming elections.
With just weeks until the polls, Mr. Richard Jakpa statement underscores the high stakes and tension surrounding the elections, particularly in regions like Ashanti, where both major parties are battling for dominance.
The NDC’s renewed focus on vigilance and countermeasures highlights its determination to challenge the status quo and ensure credible election results.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Justice Bediako
