File photo: A Ghanaian voter cast vote in an election
The Kumawu constituency is gearing up for a by-election following the unfortunate passing of the Member of Parliament (MP), Philip Basoah.
The by-election, scheduled for May 23, 2023, was announced by the Electoral Commission (EC) after the seat was declared vacant by Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on March 31.
MP Philip Basoah, who represented Kumawu, sadly passed away on Monday, March 27, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. His death prompted the necessary procedures for a by-election to be initiated.
Upon declaring the seat vacant, Speaker Alban Bagbin directed the Clerk-to-Parliament to inform the EC, which led to the setting of the by-election date. The EC officially announced May 23, 2023, as the day for the Kumawu By-Election, giving candidates and political parties a clear timeframe for preparations.
The nomination process for interested candidates opened on May 2, 2023, providing an opportunity for individuals aspiring to represent Kumawu in Parliament to formally declare their candidacy. The EC set a deadline of May 5, 2023, for the closure of nominations, after which the final list of qualified candidates will be announced.
The Kumawu By-Election is expected to be closely watched, as political parties and their supporters engage in rigorous campaigning to secure the vacant parliamentary seat. The constituency’s residents eagerly anticipate the upcoming election, as they seek a capable representative to continue the work left behind by the late MP, Philip Basoah.
All eyes will be on the candidates as they engage with the electorate to gain support for their respective campaigns. The people of Kumawu are looking forward to exercising their democratic right by participating in the by-election and electing a new MP who will work towards the development and progress of the constituency.
As the campaign period intensifies, stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the media, and the Electoral Commission, will play crucial roles in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The by-election is seen as an opportunity for the electorate to make their voices heard and select a representative who will advocate for their interests at the national level.
The upcoming Kumawu By-Election will undoubtedly be a significant event, shaping the political landscape of the constituency and determining its future representation in Parliament.
Summary of the timelines
The MP for Kumawu, Philip Basoah, died on Monday, March 27 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, declared the seat vacant on March 31, 2023, and directed the Clerk-to-Parliament to inform the EC.
On April 17, the Electoral Commission set May 23, 2023, as the date for the Kumawu By-Election.
The EC opened nomination on May 2, 2023, and closed it on May 5, 2023.
