By Prince Acquah
Ajumako Bisease (C/R), Dec 07, GNA – Voting is progressing peacefully across the 172 polling stations in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Constituency, where some 88,261 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots.
Queues started forming at some polling stations as early as 3:30 hours with most of the early birds being the aged.
Generally, the electoral materials arrived in time for the timely commencement of the exercise.
Apart from a few instances of misunderstanding, which were quickly resolved, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) is yet to come across any significant challenge which had disenfranchised a voter or triggered any tension.
As of 0915 hours, the long queues had subsided with voters trickling in at intervals.
Strikingly, the aged and some Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), including the physically challenged and the blind, have demonstrated significant interest in the exercise.
As of 0931 hours, 106 out of 559 expected voters had voted at the Bisease Anglican Primary School A polling station.
Mr Robert Osei Anglican, the Presiding Officer, told the GNA that the process had been without any challenge.
At the Bisease Anglican Primary B polling station, 88 out of 449 expected voters had voted as of 0956 hours.
Mr Collins Sam, the Presiding Officer, said the process had been smooth.
Indeed, some voters who did not have their voter ID cards were allowed to vote after successfully going through the verification process.
Dr Casiel Ato Forson, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) and Minority Leader, after casting his ballot at the Bisease Anglican Primary School B at Ajumako Bisease where he hails from, expressed satisfaction with the process so far.
He, however, expressed concern over “military presence” in the constituency.
“We saw the military going round the constituency as of last night to my surprise.
“It shouldn’t have been but that has been done. We urge the military not to get involved in the process,” he said.
He was optimistic of victory for himself and the Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama.
“I can see citizens poised to vote for President Mahama and myself and I am optimistic that President Mahama will carry the day and the NDC will win,” he said.
GNA