NPP To Prevent EC From Declaring Result of Tain Run-Off

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) say they would prevent the Electoral Commission (EC) from declaring result of the Tain constituency run-off, the decider for the 2008 presidential elections.

Speaking on a political programme on Metro TV, a local television station based in Accra, on December 31, Dr Arthur Kennedy, a member of the NPP campaign team stressed the party will place injunction on EC declaration of result from the Tain constituency run-off until the NPP grievances are addressed.

He cited irregularities and brutalities meted out to members of the NPP in Volta region during the run-off on December 28 and expressed optimism that the table will turn in the party’s favour after those issues were addressed.

Alex Segbefiah of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a swift reaction expressed utmost disappointment at Dr Kennedy's pronouncement and said it has the tendency to bridging the peace in the country. He swore the NDC will legitimately fight tooth and nail to ensure the NPP does not drag the 2008 elections to the dogs.

A local Observer, who was a panelist on the programme advised both parties to consider the good image the country has carved for itself abroad and urged them to conduct themselves in a way that will not mar the image.

Meanwhile, residents in Tamale, Northern regional capital have expressed shock and dismay at Dr Kennedy's statement. In an interview, they expressed strong conviction the pronouncement is likely to cause confusion and destabilize the nation and urged both parties to restrain caution.

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.

The NDC took the lead after EC declared result of the run-off for 229 constituencies with the exception of Tain. NDC polled 4,501,466 representing 50.13% of the total valid votes cast while the NPP had 4,478,411 representing 49.87% of the total valid votes cast.