Deputy Director of Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Gibrill, has called for a shift in how Ghanaians approach by-elections.
He stressed the need for reforms in mindset and strategy to reflect modern democratic values and reduce political tension.
In his view, external interference in elections is common, with outsiders often influenced by specific groups or political parties to create disturbances in constituencies, resulting in heightened “tensions and attacks.”
“Whenever we are going on a bye-election, it assumes national character, people who do not belong to the constituency are the ones who are influenced to create chaotic scenes, the constituents often do not involve themselves,” he said on Monday, July 14, 2025, during a panel discussion on the Angel Morning Show (AMS).
His suggestions follows the disturbances that took the center stage of the recent rerun elections in Ablekuma North in the Greater Accra.
He cited calls by party fanatics urging the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to mobilize thugs for the upcoming Akwatia bye-election as an example of interference from individuals outside the constituency, potentially inciting trouble.
He added that it is high time the country reformed how by-elections are managed, particularly in addressing the influence of external actors.
“We need to start managing our mini-elections which I call, that bye-elections where outsiders always want to show off in elections, and if we are able to, I believe this election tension will cease,” he stated.
Mahdi Gibrill however, commended the Ghana Police Service (GPS) for what he described successful safeguarding the election process, despite encountering various challenges and security threats.
