The Electoral Commission (EC) says it will hold a by-election on July 19, in the Abetifi Constituency in the Eastern Region.

The by-election has become necessary following the death of Peter Pepera, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency on May 21.

The election, according to the EC, is to be conducted in accordance with the amended Article 112(5) of the Constitution which reads:

“(5) Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk to Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after the vacancy occurred, and a by-election shall be held within thirty days after the vacancy occurred.”

There was a belief that with the general elections some six months away at the time of his death, there won't be the need for a by-election.

MP for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea told Joy News' Evans Mensah earlier that "I am tempted to believe that there will not be a by-election because the law states it so that there won't be the need for a by-election." 

However, the EC says nominations for the election will be taken on June 21 and 22 at the District Office of the Commission at Abetifi in the Eastern Region, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 5: 00 p.m. on both days.

The Electoral Commission directs that nomination forms may be obtained from the District Office or the Regional Office of the Commission at Koforidua at a filling fee of ¢1000.