Akwatia by-election: AEI bemoans low voter turnout, poor smaller parties reps 

The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has raised concerns over low voter turnout and the inadequate representation of smaller political parties during the just-ended Akwatia by-election in the Eastern region.

According to its observers, the AEI reported that by 3:00 p.m. turnout for the Akwatia by-election remained relatively low, with final figures showing only 33,819 ballots cast out of more than 50,000 registered voters. Of these, 33,516 were valid, reflecting moderate participation compared to expectations.

In a statement signed by the Head of Electoral Research Department for the Institute, Seyram Mankra said the low voter turnout at the Akwatia by-election was a missed opportunity for broader civic engagement in a constituency regarded as a critical swing seat.

“The participation level, though moderate, fell short of the anticipated turnout for such a high-stakes election,” Madam Mankra noted.

Observers also highlighted the dominance of the two major parties—the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP)—in the Akwatia by-election, to the detriment of smaller parties and independent candidates. The AEI observed that at several polling stations, including Amanfrom Kindergarten, no agents from smaller parties were present.

This lack of representation, the Institute said, weakened inclusivity and meant that the process was heavily shaped by the NDC and NPP. The AEI emphasised that the poor showing of smaller parties in the Akwatia by-election raises questions about the broader health of Ghana’s multiparty democracy.

The Institute urged the Electoral Commission and political stakeholders to explore strategies to encourage participation by smaller parties and independent candidates in future elections. “Inclusivity is central to democratic credibility. The absence of smaller parties reduces the diversity of voices and undermines the representative nature of elections,” the AEI said.

Despite these concerns, the AEI concluded that the Akwatia by-election was peaceful and credible, with final results giving the NDC 54.3% of votes, the NPP 45.5%, and the LPG 0.2%. It called for reforms to boost voter turnout and participation of all parties to strengthen Ghana’s democratic system.