African Electoral Institute Observation Statement On The Ayawaso East By-Election
The African Electoral Institute (AEI) observed the parliamentary by-election conducted in the Ayawaso East Constituency on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026.
Within our mandate to promote electoral integrity, transparency, and democratic accountability across Africa, AEI deployed observers to all polling stations across the constituency’s 113 polling stations.
The candidates and the respective political parties they represented are:
1. National Democratic Congress (NDC) Baba Jamal Ahmed Esq.,
2. Liberal Party of Ghana ( LPG) Mr. Ibrahim Iddrisu.
3. National Patriotic Party(NPP) Baba Ali Yusifu.
4. Independent Candidate Mr. David Kanor.
5. Independent Candidate Mr. Umar Sanda Muhammad
Key Observations
Opening of Polls:
Voting commenced on schedule in most centres observed, including Alhaji Iddrisu Polling Stations 2 & 3 at 7:15 a.m.
Availability of Materials:
Polling stations visited were adequately supplied with essential electoral materials and equipment required for voting.
Security Presence:
The Ghana Police Service maintained a visible and professional presence. Approximately fifteen (15) officers were deployed per polling station, contributing to calm and orderly proceedings.
Conduct of the Process:
The voting process was generally peaceful, transparent, and well-organised. No major incidents of violence or disruption were reported in the areas observed.
Voter Turnout:
Turnout was generally low across several polling stations monitored. Observers noted particularly low voter activity within parts of the Nima enclave. This may be attributed to the observance of Ramadan and the fact that the election was conducted on a working day.
Provisional Results (As Announced at Close of Collation – 113/113 Polling Stations)
NDC – 10,803 votes (63.33%)
NPP – 4,000 votes (23.45%)
Others – 2,254 votes (13.26%)
Rejected Ballots – 122.
When the above provisional results are compared to the 2024 general election results,both the NDC and the NPP have dropped in votes.
Both parties dropped by percentage.
The NDC decreased by 7.52% and the NPP decreased by 5.7% margin respectively.
Thus, the NDC dropped from 70.85% to 63.33%
NPP dropped from 29.15% to 23.45
AEI commends the electorate, election officials, security personnel, political parties, and candidates for contributing to a peaceful electoral environment.
The Institute encourages continued civic education efforts to address voter apathy and strengthen democratic participation in future electoral processes.
The African Electoral Institute remains committed to supporting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections across the continent.
Signed:
SIGNED
Seyram Mankra
Electoral Research Department
0244747128
Joshua Adjin-Tettey
Director of Communications & External Relations
0540904550
Judge Hasford Quartey
Deputy Director of Communications & External Relations.
+233 54 751 0174