A sudden downpour in Nkoranza North, Bono East Region, caused a temporary disruption to the District Level Elections (DLEs). Despite the unexpected weather, the Electoral Commission (EC) has reported that the Nkoranza North Election was successfully conducted across the municipality. According to Mr. Chrisentus Derry, the Nkoranza North Returning Officer of the Electoral Commission (EC), the process, though briefly hampered, proceeded smoothly overall.

The heavy rainfall led to delays in the crucial collation of ballot papers. Election officials worked diligently to mitigate the impact of the weather on the electoral process.

Impact of Rainfall on Election Collation

The downpour in Nkoranza North, specifically affecting the Bono East Region, caused a delay in the collation process for the District Level Elections (DLEs). This unexpected weather event created a temporary hurdle for election officials as they worked to ensure the integrity of the vote counting.

EC’s Assessment of Election Success

Despite the weather-related challenges, Mr. Chrisentus Derry, the Nkoranza North Returning Officer of the EC, affirmed the success of the DLEs. “The District Level Elections were successfully conducted across all 26 Electoral Areas (EAs) in the municipality,” he stated in an interview reported by the Ghana News Agency (GNA). Mr. Derry’s assessment underscores the resilience of the electoral system in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

Candidate Participation in DAEs and UCEs

The Nkoranza North Election saw significant participation from candidates in both the District Assembly Elections (DAEs) and Unit Committee Elections (UCEs). In the DAEs, 98 candidates vied for positions, comprising 93 males and 5 females. The UCEs featured an even larger pool of candidates, with 190 individuals participating, including 176 males and 14 females. For clarity, District Assembly Elections focus on electing representatives to the local District Assembly, while Unit Committee Elections involve electing members to smaller units responsible for local-level governance and community development.

Stakeholder Appreciation and Peaceful Conduct

Mr. Derry also conveyed his appreciation to all stakeholders for their contributions to the successful conduct of the DLEs. He noted that the elections proceeded peacefully between 0700 hours and 1700 hours, without any major incidents. This peaceful environment allowed voters to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or disruption.

In summary, although the Nkoranza North Election faced an initial setback due to heavy rainfall, the Electoral Commission has reported a successful outcome. The high level of candidate participation and the peaceful conduct of the elections further reinforce the integrity of the electoral process in Nkoranza North, according to the EC’s assessment.