By Ernestina Adzo Dika
Tema, Dec. 2, GNA – Mr Yohane Amarh Ashitey, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Tema East, says there is calm in the constituency because of his relations with the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten.
He said Mr Odamtten, also the NDC parliamentary candidate, was his step uncle, adding: “You see, the good news is that the two of us contesting here are relatives. I would say he is my step uncle.”
Mr Ashitey, who doubles as the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said the relationship explained the serenity in Tema East ahead of the 2024 general election.
He advised the electorates to strive for peace, which was paramount for development.
Mr Ashitey said this when he visited the special voting centre at the Tema East Constituency where both candidates and electoral officials commended the participants for a peaceful atmosphere.
Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten acknowledged the overall smoothness of the process but expressed concern over the lapses in logistical preparedness by the Electoral Commission (EC) ahead of the commencement of the exercise.
He observed that “except to say that this being a one station exercise, EC should have demonstrated high level of preparedness. I was disappointed to see that it came without indelible ink so we delayed the process for some time.”
He urged the EC to avoid such issues during the main elections, emphasising the need for transparency and professionalism.
“We cannot afford to have a similar situation on the main election day so it’s important we call their attention and make sure that everything is ready for the elections,” he emphasised.
Out of a total of 693 expected voters, 437 electorates had cast their ballots as at 1420 hours at the Tema Community One Police Station, which serves as the polling centre for the special voting.
The special voting exercise serves as a precursor to Saturday, December 7 general election, testing the EC’s preparedness and setting the stage for a tightly contested parliamentary and presidential race.
GNA