Muntaka being declared winner in the Asawase polls
THE MUCH-hyped National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential and parliamentary primaries, held on Saturday, produced some interesting results in the various constituencies in the Ashanti Region.
In the presidential elections, former President John Mahama, who was the bookmaker’s favourite, swept all the votes, leaving nothing for Kojo Bonsu, who hails from the Ashanti Region.
Elections were not held in some troubled constituencies, especially, the Manhyia South Constituency.
Asawase Race
In the parliamentary elections, the center of attraction was the Asawase Constituency election, where the incumbent NDC MP, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, was facing a stiff competition from Mubarick Masawudu.
Prior to the election, Masawudu and his supporters were overly confident as they openly stated that Muntaka’s days as MP for Asawase on NDC ticket were numbered as he (Muntaka) would be defeated in the elections.
Despite the threats and bragging, Muntaka, once again sailed through as he was elected as the NDC parliamentary candidate for the constituency for the 2024 elections, which is slated for late next year.
Muntaka polled a staggering 1063 valid votes as against 746 votes that were secured by his only opponent in the party elections, Mubarick Masawudu, during the Saturday’s elections.
The polls produced tensed moments but after the counting of votes, it was announced that Muntaka had retained his seat with a vote margin difference of over 300 votes separating him and his only opponent.
Muntaka, who looked extremely elated, in his victory speech, said “this is a great day for me”, stressing that he was grateful to the Asawase NDC delegates for reposing their trust in him once again.
The sitting Asawase Lawmaker also commended members of his campaign team for their hard work and dedication, which has ensured victory, adding that he was also grateful to his family members.
Duffuor’s Son Stumbles
Meanwhile, in the Sekyere Afram Plains, Kwabena Duffuor Jnr, the son of former Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, failed narrowly in his attempt to win the NDC parliamentary elections in the area.
Duffuor, polled 203 votes but he was overshadowed by Nana Afrah Adepa Gyekye, who amassed 211 votes, which is eight more votes than that of Duffuor, to win the closely contested elections.
Unconfirmed reports have it that Duffuor was determined to win the elections so he invested heavily into his campaign and on the election day.
It was even being alleged that Duffuor presented brand new iPhones and an undisclosed amount of money to the delegates to attract their votes, yet despite his heavy investment, he was rejected by the delegates.
In the other constituencies, there were no big surprises as the favourites of political connoisseurs lived up to the expectations as they won their polls.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi