NDC Regional Elections: Voting Underway in Northern and North East Regions

Voting has commenced in the Northern and North East Regions of Ghana as delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) elect new regional executives. The exercise, being held at the Aliu Mahma Sports Stadium in Tamale, will determine the party's leadership for the next four years. A total of 613 delegates in the Northern Region and 226 delegates in the North East Region are expected to cast their votes.

In the Northern Region, 51 aspirants are contesting 15 positions, while in the North East Region, 50 aspirants are vying for various executive positions. The delegates comprise constituency executives, former and sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) members, and former members of the Council of Elders.

According to Dr. Arnold Mashoud Abukari, the Northern Regional Director of Elections and Information Technology of the NDC, all positions are being contested except for that of the Regional Communication Officer. He expressed confidence that the process would be peaceful and transparent, having engaged all aspirants on the electoral procedures and protocols ahead of the exercise.

The election committee aims to complete voting, sorting, and counting by 2 p.m. or shortly afterwards. Dr. Abukari assured that the committee would ensure a free, fair, credible, and transparent election to produce a new crop of regional executives. The voting process in the Northern Region started at 10:35 a.m., later than scheduled, due to the late arrival of some delegates at the voting centres.

The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, emphasized the importance of the election to the party's efforts to strengthen its political base and win more parliamentary seats in the region. He expressed hope that the incoming executives would build on the progress made during his tenure as the party's regional chairman.

Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, the North East Regional Chairman of the NDC, admonished delegates and aspirants to remain calm and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. He urged security personnel to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of everyone within and around the voting premises.

The election is expected to produce a new leadership for the NDC in the two regions, with the party seeking to consolidate its gains and improve its performance in future elections. The outcome of the election will be closely watched by party supporters and political observers.

Key points

• The NDC regional elections are being held in the Northern and North East Regions of Ghana to elect new regional executives.
• A total of 613 delegates in the Northern Region and 226 delegates in the North East Region are expected to cast their votes.
• The election committee aims to complete voting, sorting, and counting by 2 p.m. or shortly afterwards.