Voting is underway in the Tamale Central Constituency, where 1,551 delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are deciding who will lead the party into the upcoming by-election.
The exercise, being held at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, commenced this morning and is scheduled to close before 2 p.m. Party officials say the process has so far been smooth, with strict measures in place to ensure transparency and order.
Director of Elections and IT, Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, explained that each delegate was issued a QR-code-enabled tag linked to their details, in addition to presenting valid identification. He further disclosed that about 250 joint security personnel had been deployed to maintain peace, while accredited observers were restricted to the supporters’ stands unless cleared to enter the inner perimeter.
The NDC had earlier cleared all 12 aspirants vying for the slot, including three women—marking a historic moment for the constituency. Deputy General Secretary Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, who supervised the vetting and balloting on August 31, praised the caliber of candidates and urged them to maintain decorum throughout the process.
Today’s primary follows the sudden passing of the late MP, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a military helicopter crash on August 6. The Electoral Commission has scheduled a by-election for September 30, making the outcome of today’s contest pivotal in determining who carries the NDC’s flag.
