First Referendum in the 4th Republic

By Joshua Nimako The Electoral Commission last week organized a referendum at KUNKUNSO electoral area in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District in the Western Region to decide whether to withdraw the assembly member for the area, Mr. J.W.K. Nketsia from the assembly.

This follows a petition received from the chiefs and people of the area over series of allegations. Some of the charges include gross disrespect for the chief and the people, usage of the community's sand meant for a project to construct his kitchen and the wife not attending communal labour among others. So in conformity with section 9 of the Local Government Act 462, a referendum was held but the people failed to get the 60 per cent of the vote cast required by the law to revoke the mandate of Mr. Nketsia. According to the Act, 25 per cent of the registered population of a particular electoral area should petition the Electoral Commission and when the petition is received, it conducts a referendum to ascertain whether the decision is popular. The Act also adds that 40 per cent of the registered population should vote at the referendum out of which 60 per cent should approve the decision before the assembly member could be withdrawn. In an interview later with the Regional Director of the Commission, Mr. S.Y. Aidoo who supervised the referendum, said that out of the 1482 total voter population for the area, 686 voted which is above the 40 per cent required by the law. He said 392 people voted for the withdrawal of the Assembly member from the Assembly representing 57 per cent whilst 279 of Mr. Nketsia at the assembly. 15 ballot papers were rejected.So in effect they failed to get the required 60 per cent; the Regional Director added.

Mr. Aidoo observed that this is the first time a group of people have applied that portion of the law. "Though the people were not happy with the election results, it is a good attempt. This is a test case and they should be commanded for applying the law," he said.