The Ghana Police Service has successfully restored order in Walewale following significant disruptions during the vote-counting process of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Primary for the Walewale Constituency. The disturbances, which led to the arrest of Kamara Bawah for damaging several ballot papers, have prompted heightened security measures in Walewale and its surrounding areas to maintain law and order.
The disruptions began when Kamara Bawah, the primary suspect, was apprehended for causing damage to the ballots. He is currently in police custody, where he is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the incident. This arrest was part of the police’s swift response to the disturbance, which included a noticeable increase in security presence in the area to prevent further unrest.
Citi News North East Regional correspondent, Mohammed Aminu Alabira, reported earlier that the Walewale elections faced another round of disruptions. On the day of the rerun, the voting process was marred by sporadic disturbances, including reports of military personnel allegedly assaulting individuals at the voting center. This incident further exacerbated the already tense atmosphere surrounding the election.
The disruptions raised significant concerns among candidates and their supporters. Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru, an aspirant in the primary, and his team had earlier expressed worries about the venue. They highlighted a lack of official communication regarding the election arrangements, which led to confusion and dissatisfaction among the participants. Instead of the expected open sorting and counting of votes, the process was conducted behind closed doors in a church room, which further fueled the discontent.
According to the chairman of the election committee, an unidentified person was responsible for the disruption. This individual’s actions led to immediate intervention by the authorities, resulting in his arrest. Dr. Kabiru voiced his disappointment with the handling of the election, questioning the democratic process within the NPP. His concerns reflect broader issues related to transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Dr. Kabiru’s supporter, constituency chairman Mohammed Muniru Janda, also voiced concerns. Janda noted that Kabiru appeared to be leading during the sorting process before the disruption occurred. He raised doubts about the security of the ballots and the overall fairness of the rerun, casting a shadow over the integrity of the election.
The incident has sparked a debate about the electoral process within the NPP and the broader implications for democracy in Ghana. The disruptions in Walewale highlight the challenges faced in ensuring fair and transparent elections, particularly in contentious political environments. The swift response by the police and the subsequent security measures are crucial steps in addressing the immediate issues and restoring confidence in the electoral process.
As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including the NPP, election officials, and security agencies, to work collaboratively to address the concerns raised and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. The events in Walewale underscore the need for clear communication, robust security measures, and adherence to democratic principles to uphold the integrity of elections in Ghana.
