The Kpandai parliamentary seat is at the center of a significant legal and electoral dispute, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressing strong confidence that an application challenging a High Court decision will be dismissed by the Supreme Court. This legal battle precedes a planned parliamentary rerun election in the constituency, scheduled for December 30, with both political and electoral bodies keenly awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Rashid Tanko Computer, the Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, firmly stated the party’s conviction during an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story. He insisted that the case brought before the Supreme Court lacks any merit or legal basis. “We are confident that tomorrow they will dismiss it. They have no business being at the Supreme Court. It has no basis, and we are very sure that the law will do justice by dismissing it. They [the NPP] have no case,” Mr Tanko asserted, indicating a high level of certainty regarding the outcome.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the application on Tuesday, which was filed by Matthew Nyindam, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mr. Nyindam is seeking to overturn a High Court judgment that previously annulled his victory in the 2024 election for the Kpandai parliamentary seat. The outcome of this hearing is pivotal for the future of the constituency’s representation.

A critical procedural concern raised by Mr. Tanko pertains to the service of court processes. As of Monday, December 15, the NDC and its candidate, Daniel Wakpal, had not been officially notified of the Supreme Court application. Mr. Tanko personally contacted Mr. Wakpal, who confirmed he had not received any service of process. Based on this, Mr. Tanko argued that the hearing should not proceed, emphasizing the importance of proper legal notification for all parties involved.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has declared its full preparedness to conduct the parliamentary rerun election in Kpandai on December 30. Alfred Tetteh, the Deputy Director of Research at the EC, communicated the Commission’s readiness during an interview on JoyNews’ Pulse on Monday. He clarified that the EC is a law-abiding institution and will proceed with its preparations for the December 30 date unless explicitly directed otherwise by the courts, acknowledging awareness of ongoing legal processes including an appeal and a request for interpretation at the Supreme Court.

Mr. Tetteh detailed the operational aspects of the impending rerun, confirming that it will feature the same candidates who contested the December 2024 general election: the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the All People’s Congress (APC). He assured that all necessary logistical and operational arrangements are progressing on schedule, with the training of polling officials slated to commence five days prior to the election date.

Regarding ballot paper printing, the EC official highlighted the efficiency of the process, stating that since the same candidates are involved, the printing of 66,850 ballot papers, plus an additional two percent contingency, can be completed within a day or two. Political parties will be given specific dates to observe this printing process to ensure transparency. Furthermore, the movement and distribution of these ballots are expected to be finalized within two days, keeping the Commission well within its operational timelines.

The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision holds significant implications not only for the immediate dispute over the Kpandai seat but also for the planned parliamentary rerun. The ruling will determine whether the December 30 election proceeds as scheduled or if further legal complexities will alter the electoral calendar for the constituency.