The Electoral Commission (EC) has reported that three of its officials sustained injuries during the violent incidents that marred the New Patriotic Party's parliamentary poll in Yendi on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The election, featuring incumbent Yendi MP, Farouk Aliu Mahama, and MASLOC CEO, Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, descended into chaos during the vote-counting phase at the Yendi polling center.
Citi FM/Citi TV's Northern Regional correspondent, Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, was reportedly assaulted by MP Farouk Aliu Mahama during the process.
Ghana Police Service personnel intervened to rescue the journalist, EC officials, and other individuals, transporting them to the Yendi Divisional Police Command for safety.
Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, Director of Electoral Services at the EC, confirmed the incidents, stating, “Some of our officers were attacked and injured, and they have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Three of them were attacked, and one was severely injured. We hope that the police will conduct an investigation.”
Explaining the disruption of the counting process, Dr. Quaicoe revealed, “The information I received from our regional director is that after they had finished casting the ballot, the votes for the various candidates were sorted out and stuck together.
They started counting for the incumbent and reached 296 when there was a commotion, and the counting was disrupted. Some of the ballots were destroyed, so we could not declare any results.”
