Tensions ran high at the Council of State election re-run in the Ashanti Region, as a confrontation between police and supporters of a candidate led to the arrest of one person.
The suspect, believed to be a supporter of former NDC Chairman Yaw Obimpeh, was taken into custody for defying police orders to remain behind barricades set up at the venue.
Background of the election re-run
The election re-run was necessitated by the abrupt halt of last week’s voting, which was marred by violence and destruction of electoral materials.
A group of NDC thugs had attacked Electoral Commission (EC) officials and destroyed several materials, including ballot papers.
The incident led to a review of security measures for the election re-run.
Security beefed up
In response to the previous week’s violence, the police have beefed up security measures for the election re-run.
Vehicles are restricted from entering the election venue, and six police-manned barricades have been placed along the streets leading to the Prempeh Assembly Hall.
The streets were also closed to traffic. Hundreds of police personnel, along with crowd control equipment, have been deployed to the venue to maintain order.
The arrest and its implications
The arrest of the suspect has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and disruptions to the electoral process.
The police have urged calm and cooperation from all stakeholders, emphasizing the need to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.