The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is ready to conduct polls in Talensi in the Upper East Region where thousands will be casting their ballots in a crucial by-election this morning.
Director of the Commission in the region, James Arthur, told Joy News adequate steps have been taken to prevent equipment failure, for instance, which has often impeded a smooth voting process.
“We are ready. We are sending two biometric verification devices to each polling station so if one breaks down we will fall on the other. The Commission has made efforts for technicians to improve the device so we believe we are working with a better device this time round”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Police Command has outlined an elaborate security plan that includes the deployment of armed officers and armoured vehicles ahead of the polls.
Spokesperson for the regional command ASP Thomas Agbanyo told Joy News two police personnel will man each of the 74 polling stations in the constituency.
“And [for] the 22 electoral areas, a senior officer will man each electoral area. Apart from that patrol teams would be moving all-round the constituency to make sure that they maintain law and order.
“Two of our Maverick armoured cars would be stationed at Tongo, where in case of any rioting, we will be there to [quell it]. At the collation centre, enough policemen have been slated for that place to make sure that everything is on without any hitch”, he added.
The Talensi seat, which was held by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) became vacant when the MP, Robert Masore Nachinab Doameng, resigned after his enskinment as Paramount Chief.
The stakes are high for the vacant seat, particularly between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the NPP Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, retaining the seat after close of polls Tuesday will prove his party is well placed for victory in general elections in 2016.
The NDC will be hoping to counter that analysis with a win.
Myjoyonline.com will provide an unparalleled live coverage of the by-election with detailed analysis until results are declared later today.