The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and opposition (New Patriotic Party) NPP are two main parties considered favorites to annex the Talensi seat when parliamentary primaries end Sunday.

The NDC and the NPP say they have concluded preparations for their respective primaries for the vacant seat at Talensi in the Upper East region.

The seat held by the NPP, became vacant when former MP, Robert Mosore resigned after his enskinment as Tongo chief.

Former MP, Robert Mosore is now Tongo chief under the name Tongorana Kubilsong Nalebegtan.

Per the country's laws, a chief is not supposed to take part in active partisan politics.

The major political parties say, they have since begun earnest preparations ahead of the July 7 by election in the Talensi constituency.

Five aspirants will be contesting the NDC parliamentary primaries to be held at the Social Catholic Center adjacent Bolgatanga Secondary school.

The aspirants include Talensi DCE Edward Awoonore, former Deputy Director of Prison Service B.T. Baba who lost to John Tia in the previous parliamentary primaries.

Talensi DCE

Other are a banker with the Bank of Ghana James Ature, another banker Rockson Aditiba and Charles Boazore, a deputy director of a Municipal assembly in Brong Ahafo region.

The aspirants each paid GH¢5,000 as filing fee.

Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho says the party is poised to reclaim the seat.

On the other hand, three names will be contesting for the NPP Talensi parliamentary ticket. They are Robert Alibo who works with an NGO, Thomas Duaneb of the Ghana Health Service and a businessman William Zoogah.

It is not clear how much each paid as filing fees for Monday's bye-election parliamentary primaries. But at the general parliamentary primaries held in over 240 constituencies last week Saturday, aspirants (with the exception of sitting MPs) paid GH¢30,000.

 General Secretary of the largest opposition party, NPP, Kwabena Agyapong says they will match the governing NDC boot for boot.

Some media outlets have reported that also-runs, the People’s National Convention wil also contest the seat.

Their regular parliamentary candidate, Dr Michael Wombengo, is likely to stand again to represent the PNC after representing the party in 2008 and 2012.

Only two parties have held the seat since 1992 with the NDC holding it five times out of six. John Tia, a local legend in Talensi had held that seat on all five ocassions and become a Deputy Majority leader in 2009.

John Tia

The NPP only won the Talensi seat in 2012 when the MP turned chief won the seat.

Analysts say the NPP stand a chance if it works with other parties to reinforce its numbers come July 7.