NDC Wins Ablekuma North Seat Amidst Controversy Over Missing Pink Sheets
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has emerged victorious in the Ablekuma North parliamentary race, with Awurabena Aubynn securing the seat after a lengthy dispute over missing pink sheets. The declaration was made on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Electoral Commission’s Greater Accra Regional Office following hours of confusion and tension. NDC supporters gathered outside the office, demanding a prompt declaration in favor of their candidate amidst concerns about discrepancies in the electoral process. The tension was palpable as hundreds of party faithful watched anxiously, leading to a temporary suspension of proceedings when the results from 219 out of 281 polling stations had been collated. The Electoral Commission (EC) had to halt the process as the atmosphere grew increasingly charged, reflecting the deep divisions and uncertainties surrounding the election outcome.
The situation escalated further when NPP and NDC supporters clashed at the collation center, accusing each other of undermining the democratic process. The heated standoff was characterized by accusations of vote rigging and fraud, with both sides questioning the validity of the results being presented. This was compounded by the sudden disappearance of some pink sheets—official documents that contain the results from individual polling stations—raising doubts about the integrity of the electoral process. The EC was forced to provide minimal information, not releasing any figures to the public, which only added to the confusion and controversy. Despite these challenges, the EC eventually declared Awurabena Aubynn as the winner, though the process highlighted significant issues regarding transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
Awurabena’s declaration as the winner of the Ablekuma North seat comes at a time when Ghana’s electoral process is under intense scrutiny. The dispute over missing pink sheets reflects the challenges faced by the EC in managing a transparent and fair election. Critics have pointed to flaws in the system, suggesting that more robust mechanisms need to be put in place to prevent similar issues in future elections. The chaos at the collation center also underscores the need for comprehensive electoral reforms to address voter concerns and restore public confidence in the democratic process. As Awurabena prepares to take up her new role, the focus will be on how she manages her responsibilities amid ongoing scrutiny of the electoral process and the challenges facing the Ablekuma North constituency.