Absence of female candidates in Ayawaso East by-election disappointing – Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has voiced disappointment that none of the political parties participating in the forthcoming Ayawaso East by-election has nominated a woman candidate.

During a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum hosted by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18, Bagbin emphasized that representation should originate at the party level prior to being evident in Parliament.

“Political parties are the gateways to representation. Parliament is the arena where representation becomes decision-making. Therefore, inclusion must begin in parties and mature in Parliament,” he said.

He disclosed that he had hoped that at least one party would field a female candidate for the March 3 by-election to the parliament.

“I was waiting for any party to have fielded a female candidate in the Ayawaso East by-election. I will personally support the candidate because we need more of our women in Parliament. Unfortunately, the parties have disappointed me,” he said.

The by-election was caused by the passing of the current Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, in January while undergoing treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

There are five candidates competing. Baba Jamal represents the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and was assigned number one on the ballot. The candidate from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yussif Baba Ali, achieved the third place, whereas Ibrahim Iddrisu, the candidate from the Liberal People’s Party (LPP), obtained second place.

Independent candidates Alhaji Mohammed Umar Sanda and David Kannor will be placed in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

In the meantime, the NDC has annulled the membership of Mohammed Umar Sanda after he opted to run for the position as an independent candidate, labeling his decision as a breach of the party’s constitution.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com