Ghana run-off poll may incite passions

By M. S. Prabhakara

ACCRA, DEC. 12. With neither Mr. John Kufor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) nor Professor John Evans Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the two leading candidates in the presidential poll in Ghana, obtaining the required ``50 per cent plus one'' vote, there is to be a run-off between the two to decide the winner.

Announcing the results of the first round of elections at a media conference here, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwado Afari Gyan, said this did not constitute a ``formal declaration'' of the results. This would be made only after the political parties had studied the results, made representations and objections if any, and the EC had disposed them of. The run- off is to take place within 21 days of the formal declaration.

The results from Bakwu Central constituency in Upper East Region in both the presidential and parliamentary elections have been held back because of disturbances in which 10 persons were killed. Dr Gyan pointed out that the total votes in that constituency being 77,459, the outcome there would not affect the position of the two leading candidates, enabling one of them to emerge the winner.

Polling for Parliament took place in 199 of the 200 constituencies, with the poll in one constituency in Brong Ahafo being countermanded following the death of the NPP candidate. With results from Bakwu held over, only 198 results for Parliament were announced.

The NPP not being able to secure a majority in Parliament but its candidate poised to capture the Presidency, the balance of forces between the presidency and Parliament will surely be an area of much interest, promising much political drama over the next four years.

The most notable feature of the first phase of elections has been the peaceful atmosphere during the campaign, on the voting day and the three days over which the counting and announcement of results were spread.

It is to be seen if this atmosphere will be maintained when campaigning resumes. Run-offs, where the stakes are clear and results immediate, have a habit of arousing greater passions than in the first round of voting.

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Section  : International
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