International Observer Koku Anyidoho Praises EC for Smooth, Well-Organized Ayawaso East By-Election
Certified international elections observer Koku Anyidoho has commended the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) for what he described as a highly efficient and professionally managed process during today’s parliamentary by-election in the Ayawaso East constituency.
Speaking to journalists from a polling station this morning, Anyidoho — who is closely monitoring the poll — expressed clear satisfaction with the EC’s performance from the very start of voting.
“I’m happy. The EC is on top of its job,” he said. “When I got here, the materials and personnel were already deployed. They were set up in good time.”
He pointed out that election materials arrived early, polling officials were properly positioned, and voting commenced smoothly — all strong signs of credible electoral management.
Anyidoho highlighted two key standards that international observers always look for in assessing the integrity of an election:
- Voting booths positioned to guarantee voter privacy, and
- Ballot boxes placed in open, visible locations to ensure transparency as people cast their votes.
“I think that these basic things are standing tall as far as the EMB is concerned,” he added, noting that the arrangements he witnessed in Ayawaso East fully met international best practices.
His positive assessment comes amid high public interest in the by-election, which is being held to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of the late NDC MP Mahama Nasser Toure. Five candidates are contesting, with early indications showing strong turnout across polling stations.
Anyidoho’s comments are likely to carry weight among observers and political stakeholders, as he is widely respected for his experience in election monitoring across the continent. The EC has maintained that it is committed to delivering a free, fair, and transparent process, and Anyidoho’s on-the-ground observations appear to reinforce that message so far.
Voting continues peacefully across the constituency, with results expected to begin trickling in later today and a final declaration anticipated in the coming hours or days.
