Some 141 candidates contest assembly seats in Obuasi

Some 141 candidates, comprising 133 males and eight females, are contesting for 38 seats in the up-coming district level elections in the Obuasi Municipality.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Thomas Biyimba, Obuasi Municipal Electoral Officer, said 37 incumbent assembly members were seeking re-election in the March polls.

“Apart from the Zongo Electoral Area where the incumbent is going unopposed, competitions in other areas are expected to be keen”.

Mr Biyimba said this year’s district level elections in the municipality had attracted encouraging patronage as seven candidates each were competing for a seat at Gausu-East and Nyameso electoral areas with six candidates vying for the Pomposo-Asonkore, Ahansoyewodea, and Tutuka North seats.

The Municipal Electoral Officer said five other electoral areas namely Brahabebome, Binsere, Mensahkrom-Gausu extension, New Nsuta and Ayimadukrom have five contestants each.

He said the least contested electoral areas with two candidates each are Sanso, Ayinam, Bogobri, PTP, Kwabrafoso East and West, Odumasi and Akapoliso.

Mr Biyimba said candidates were expected to avoid vulgar language and false accusations on opponents when they mounted the platforms.

“If platforms are raised for candidates, that is not the area and time to delve into opponents past records to discredit him or her.”

The platform is an opportunity for contesting candidates to couch their campaign messages in a manner that would attract votes from the electorate, he said.

He expressed the hope that the municipality would record one of the decent and peaceful district level elections in the country.