Election observer, Koku Anyidoho, has indicated that low voter turnout is generally characteristic of by-elections, but described the turnout at one polling centre he visited in Ayawaso East as being ‘quite low.’

Speaking exclusively to GhanaWeb’s Mandy Agyemang on March 3, 2026, Anyidoho noted that the numbers of voters who had come out to vote as of the time of this report was quite disappointing for him.

For instance, at some of the polling stations; one with a little over 400 registered voters and another with more than 700, records showed that only 65 people had voted at the larger station, 30 minutes into the voting exercise.

This, according to Anyidoho, was unimpressive, but not surprising.

“That’s quite low,” he said, adding that while low turnout is common in by-elections, the figures he witnessed are concerning.

He, however, emphasised that the legitimacy of the outcome would not be affected, as the Electoral Commission would declare results based on the number of valid votes cast when polls close at 5 pm.

“At the end of the day, we will get a newly elected MP today, whether everybody votes or not,” he stated, stressing that the most important consideration was that the electoral process was proceeding smoothly.

Ayawaso East By-Election: Voting begins at Nima 1 JHS Centre 2

On the issue of alleged vote buying, which surfaced during the party’s primaries in the constituency, Anyidoho acknowledged concerns but noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had constituted a committee to investigate the matter and subsequently cleared the candidate.

He also referenced a recent High Court ruling that declined to halt the electoral process, paving the way for the by-election to proceed.

While conceding that the ethical and moral dimensions of vote buying remain problematic, Anyidoho said distinguishing between inducement and generosity can sometimes be complex.

“How do you disaggregate what is vote buying and what is just being nice to people?” he questioned, pointing to reports of motorbikes, television sets, bags of rice and other items allegedly distributed during the primary.

He further called attention to the broader issue of political party financing, describing it as an area that remains largely opaque.

“These are technical issues that as a nation we must continue to examine,” he said, urging greater transparency in party funding and electoral conduct.

Watch the video below

Koku Anyidoho speaks on alleged NDC vote buying in Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries



MRA/VPO

Ayawaso East By-Election: Presiding Officer David Chinery explains voting process