NDC lawyers deployed to safeguard Akwatia by-election

The National Democratic Congress (NDC)  has deployed its Lawyers Association members to Akwatia to safeguard parliamentary by-election, promising to protect the democratic rights of voters.

NDC lawyers deploy to Akwatia to safeguard by-election -What we know

According to the group, the move is to ensure the Akwatia by-election is peaceful, free, and fair.

In a press statement signed by Isaac Minta Larbi, Esq., Legal Director for the Eastern Region and Chairman of the Eastern Legal Team, the NDC Lawyers stressed that their deployment to Akwatia is aimed at safeguarding the by-election and ensuring that no voter is intimidated. The association emphasized that it would not allow any unlawful interference in the exercise of the people’s mandate.

The statement condemned what it described as threats and acts of intimidation by some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NDC Lawyers argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the Akwatia by-election and could discourage voter turnout. “Any threats of violence in the Akwatia by-election will not be tolerated,” the statement warned.

The group cited recent incidents in Akwatia, including arrests of individuals found with weapons and alleged attempts to attack NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and the party’s parliamentary candidate, Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, during a memorial service for the late NPP candidate, Hon. Ernest Kumi. They described these events as unacceptable and called on the Ghana Police Service to act decisively.

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The NDC Lawyers noted that as part of their deployment to safeguard the Akwatia by-election, they will serve as polling agents, counting agents, collation agents, and election monitors. They further revealed plans to use body cameras to document the process and prevent malpractices.

Recalling irregularities from the 2020 parliamentary election in Akwatia, which resulted in legal disputes over the Electoral Commission’s declaration of results, the group said vigilance is necessary to avoid a repeat. They maintained that their deployment would provide confidence to voters that the upcoming by-election will reflect the true will of the people.

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Expressing optimism, the lawyers concluded that with a peaceful and transparent process, the NDC’s candidate, Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, stands a strong chance of emerging as the next Member of Parliament for Akwatia.