Two among the nine candidates lined up on the notice of poll for Tuesday’s Council of State Elections in the Upper East region have withdrawn from the race.
The two are Arabogo Ben Azumah, a social worker, and Desmond Ayambire Abire, a development worker.
Some observers believe the Paramount Chief of Chiana, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, who is still in the competition, is coasting to victory partly because Abire pulled out of the election to back him.
Abire openly said he quit the contest to support the Chiana paramount chief because his own agenda to push for youth inclusion in governance processes, development advocacy and the welfare of assembly members fit together well with the chief’s blueprint for the region.
“As I step aside, I encourage all delegates and supporters to endorse His Royal Highness Thomas-More Ditundini Adiali to represent the Upper East Region in the next Council of State.
“I am confident that his vision and leadership will drive meaningful development and advocacy for our region,” Abire stated in a public notice.
Azumah told Media Without Borders he took his own decision for personal reasons. He did not say anything beyond that.
The regional director of the Electoral Commission (EC), William Obeng Adarkwa, said the election would take place at the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs in the region’s capital, Bolgatanga, from 10:00 a.m.
“The delegates are 30, two from each of the 15 municipalities and districts in the region. The contestants themselves are 7. They were 9 initially but 2 have withdrawn. We are ready. Everything is on course. Our ballot paper, everything, is in town.
“We are starting at 10. We had a meeting with the contestants today and we all agreed that we should start at 10 because of those coming from distant places like Fumbisi, Pusiga and others. So, we agreed on 10:00 a.m. tomorrow,” the regional director told Media Without Borders on Monday.
The other contenders include Elias Ayinbila Apasiya, Thomas More, Peter Baba Aluze-Ele, Justice Aduko, Balinia Adda Dennis and Bismark Adongo. The Chiana paramount chief appears on the notice of poll as Thomas More Ditundini Adiali.
Source: Edward Adeti/Media Without Borders/mwbonline.org
