By Eric Appah Marfo/ Harriet Akosua Kwakye
Accra, Dec. 07, GNA – Voting in the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency began with some challenges at various polling stations, including delays caused by malfunctioning verification machines and the absence of ballot issuers.
Voting at the Doku Koo Park Polling Station commenced after 0700 hours due to the absence of two ballot issuers.
Mr Abednago Annan, the Presiding Officer, assured voters that they would improvise to carry on with the exercise.
A total of 435 voters are expected to cast their ballots at this station.
All voting materials, including the verification machine,are available.
Voting at the Divine Healing Church Polling Station started promptly at 0700 hours; however, they experienced slight delays because the verification machine was not working well.
A total of 443 voters are expected to cast their ballots at the station.
At the CDR Office La 1 and CDR Office La 2 Polling Stations, voting commenced at 0712 hours and 0706 hours, respectively.
Rita Efia Offeibea Addo, Presiding Officer for CDR Office La 1 attributed the delay to minor issues with the verification machine.
Meanwhile, Mr. Godfred Anum, Presiding Officer for CDR Office La 2, cited the absence of one ballot issuer as the cause of the delay.
A total of 300 voters are expected at the CDR Office La 1 station, while 355 are anticipated at CDR Office La 2.
Voters at both locations are patiently waiting in queues to cast their votes, with security personnel ensuring orderliness.
At the Koney-Tsuru Polling Station, voting started on time at 0700 hours.
Madam Faith Asamabiriowei, the Presiding Officer, reported no issues, and said the process was proceeding smoothly.
A total of 345 voters are expected to cast their ballots at this station.
Voting is also underway at the Wireless JHS Polling Station, where Mr Prince Gyekyi, the Presiding Officer, indicated that all voting equipment was functioning properly.
However, only one of the two required ballot issuers was present as of 0731 hours.
A total of 444 voters are expected to cast their ballots at this location.
The candidates for the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency are – Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah of the National Democratic Congress, the incumbent Member of Parliament; Mr Joseph Kwashie Addo of the New Patriotic Party; Mr Vincent Sowah Odotei, an independent candidate and Mr Abbey David Anertey, also an independent candidate.
Voters across the Constituency have shown enthusiasm and patience despite the initial delays, underscoring their commitment to exercising their civic duty.
Security agencies are actively working at all polling stations to ensure peaceful and transparent elections.
GNA