Ghanaian pollster, Ben Ephson has predicted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must work at obtaining more than 75% of votes in Ashanti Region, in order prevent the National Democratic Congress (NDC) reachingiits target of 28% votes.
Speaking to host of ‘Anopa Bofo’ Morning Show, Captain Smart on Angel FM, he stated that, “the Ashanti Region is a political world bank of the NPP. Analysis has shown that anytime the NDC wins 28% to 30% of votes in the NPP’s stronghold region, the NPP suffers”.
According to Ben Ephson, in 2004, President Kuffuor won the first round with 74.6% while NDC won 24% in the Ashanti.
Similarly in 2008, Nana Addo won 72.4% while NDC won 26.1% in the first round.
However, during the run-off, NPP secured 75% while NDC won 25%.
The pollster said that there wouldn’t have been a run-off if the NPP had gotten 75% of votes in the first round.
President Nana Addo was able to pull 70.8% while NDC won 28.3% during the 2012 election which gave a victory to John Mahama and the NDC.
But in 2016, the NPP supporters in Ashanti Region learnt their lesson from what happened in 2012 and that enabled the NPP to win in the first round with 76% in 2016.
He also said that, the NDC are targeting 30% to 32% votes in the Ashanti Region and 40% to 42% in Eastern Region hence, the NPP might loose the 2020 election in Ashanti Region should the NDC achieve their set target.
Ben Ephson advised the NPP to focus on ensuring that there is a greater turnout of their supporters to secure their victory come December 7.
