Security expert Prof. Kwesi Aning has expressed confidence that the upcoming Akwatia by-election will be conducted peacefully despite tensions from past electoral processes.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, September 1, Prof Aning said he was hopeful because of common sense and what had happened in recent by-elections and the Ablekuma North rerun.

“I’ve always been confident that Akwatia will be okay. And my initial assessment was purely based on the fact that post-Ablekuma North, it will be disastrous for each of the parties to use their supporters to cause mayhem,” he said.

According to him, political actors are unlikely to risk repeating violent incidents that could tarnish their image.

“It simply did not make tactical sense that after one violent by-election or election, people would go ahead and cause violence,” Prof Aning said.

He noted that the Akwatia by-election offers an opportunity to set a positive precedent.

“My assessment is that Akwatia will be calm, and then what we should be looking out for will probably be the first form of a free by-election if we ever get to that place,” he added.

The Akwatia by-election has been slated for Tuesday, September 2.