Don’t blame Volta Region for NDC’s defeat - Kpodo

Mr. Benjamin Kpodo, the Member of Parliament-elect for Ho Central, has described as unfortunate, suggestions in the media that low voter turnout in the Volta Region caused the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) defeat in the December 7 polls.

He said the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections were a replica of the 2000 general elections, and that both recorded low voter turnout and gave victory to the opposition party with a majority in Parliament.

Mr. Kpodo, speaking to the Ghana News Agency, said Ho Central and other constituencies in the Volta Region recorded average voter turnouts of 63 per cent, as witnessed across the country, and could not be blamed for causing the defeat of the NDC.

The NDC won 53,117 popular votes at this year’s polls in Ho Central, as against 62,363 in 2012.

He said though the region fell short of its “gap one million” target for President Mahama, and garnered only 460,000 votes, the one million votes difference between President Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo could still not have won the election for President Mahama, because turnout in other parts of the country was low.

“Votes in every single constituency across the country reduced, compared to 2012. Even if we achieved our one million target, it would not be enough for us to win,” Mr Kpodo said.