Disappointment, Cautious Jubilation In Northern Region

The apprehension and tension that engulfed Tamale, regional capital of the Northern region has swiftly changed into cautious jubilation by especially supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after Electoral Commission (E.C) declaration of the Run-off result. The supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the other hand remain hopeful awaiting result of elections in Tain constituency, decider of the run-off, scheduled to take place on Friday, December 2, 2008.

According to results declared by the Electoral Commission, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the NPP polled 4,478,411 representing 49.87% of the total valid votes cast while Prof Mills of NDC chalked up 4,501,466 of the total valid votes cast across the country with the exception of Tain constituency in the Brong Ahafo region.

Earlier, the city was characterised by anxiety and fear with banks, shops and market women closing down before their mandated closing time. Fewer people could be seen on the streets of the metropolis as many remain in their destinations monitoring the event from their radio and television sets as it unfolds.

As the people wait for elections in Tain constituency, the NDC supporters in the northern region remain certain of victory expressing disappointment at the EC inability to declare the party's flagbearer winner of the elections while the NPP supporters express hope the table will turn in their favour.

Meanwhile the Regional Police Command has issued a statement and warned against wild jubilation and taunting of opponents as it deploys a joint police cum military team in the area to maintain law and order.