The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed concerns over the imminent by-election in the Kpandai Constituency, following the Parliamentary Service’s formal notification to the Electoral Commission (EC) of a vacancy in the seat.
The EC is expected to announce the election timetable, including nomination deadlines and the election date, in the coming weeks. This follows a Tamale High Court order mandating a re-run of the 2024 parliamentary elections in Kpandai.
Under Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, the EC is required to hold a re-run election within 90 days of the vacancy notification, unless the vacancy occurs within three months before Parliament’s dissolution. Given the December 4 notification date, the EC must organise the re-run by early March 2026.
Reacting to the development, Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications for the NPP, criticised the haste with which the Clerk of Parliament notified the EC. He said, “Even though the law does not preclude Parliament or the Clerk of Parliament from proceeding, I thought that they would have ensured a tidier and more collaborative process, especially since it involves Parliament and one side of the House.”
Ahiagbah also noted that the Supreme Court has yet to hear the party’s appeal, adding, “I think it would have been fairer and more cooperative to wait for that process to conclude, especially with the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for December 16. So, I really don’t understand the rush.”
He further admitted that the party is not ready for the by-election, stating, “If you’re asking about the party’s readiness, I think we’re not quite prepared to engage in this election. We believe the ruling is misplaced.”
