Preparations are set for the Jirapa Constituency by-election in the Upper West Region on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 after the death of Mr. Edward Salia. Mr. Jackson Annoh, Jirapa District Electoral Officer has told DAILY GUIDE that printed ballot papers and other electoral materials arrived on schedule and their authenticity were confirmed by the contesting parties. He said the ballot papers were placed in the custody of the police awaiting distribution to the various polling stations, adding that the area has about 105 polling stations with a voting population of about 34, 258 including one transfer voter. Three hundred and fifteen (315) Presiding Officers (POs) and Polling Assistants (PAs), according to him, would be dispatched to the various centres, and explained that one PO would supervise voting while two PAs would assist at each station. Mr. Annoh said the contestants were advised to, in their own interest, appoint two representatives to observe proceedings at each polling station, but warned against any interference during, before and after voting. He advised the contestants to rather use the appropriate channels in addressing their concerns. On whether he had any intention of splitting some of the polling stations to speed up voting, he said there was no need for that, indicating that the polling station with the highest number of voters is the Jirapa Market with 925 voters but voting usually ended before 5pm in general. He was unable to anticipate the turnout but disclosed that the area recorded a 61 percent turnout in the last elections, and expressed hope that with the education carried out, the turnout would increase. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the entire Jirapa District to forestall elements of violence and electoral fraud come Tuesday. ASP Innocent K. Amemo, Jirapa District Police Commander, in an interview with DAILY GUIDE, said more than 200 security personnel would be deployed to the various areas, an increase of about 75 percent as compared to the previous elections. He hinted that reinforcement from the Upper West Regional Police Command and the Lawra district division would also be deployed to augment the security strength of the area, noting that all these were aimed at curtailing unpleasant occurrences during the process. The Police Chief cautioned miscreants against acts of indiscipline on the day of voting, saying offenders would be dealt with regardless of their political inclinations. A visit to the Jirapa Central Business District revealed a display of party paraphernalia of both the NDC and NPP, but conspicuously missing were colours of DPP though they are contesting in the election. Both the NDC and NPP, this paper gathered, are expected to round off their campaigns in the constituency with rallies to be addressed by party bigwigs. Former President Rawlings who arrived in the Upper West Region on Saturday afternoon was expected to address a rally at Jirapa School Park on Sunday but as at press time, he was yet to arrive. The Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, sources confirmed, would also be in attendance including other National Executives of the party. A team from the National Headquarters of the NPP led by its General Secretary, Nana Ohene Ntow would also be visiting some communities to reecho the message of the party’s candidate. Three political party representatives from the NDC, NPP and DPP are gunning for the seat of the late Mr. Edward Salia on Tuesday. Mr. Justine Bayeleh Dakora, immediate past District Chief Executive (DCE) of the Jirapa District and 2008 defeated NPP candidate is rerunning; the NDC is being represented by Dr. Francis Dakora Bawaana, a London-based psychiatric doctor and lecturer; and Angsiegma Jocelyn, a pupil teacher for Ward Brew’s DPP. Political activities in the constituency stepped up a couple of days ago upon the arrival of party stalwarts. It would be recalled that the Jirapa seat became vacant after the death of the then Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Edward Salia, and in accordance with the constitution, fresh elections are to be held to find a replacement. Source: Daily Guide