It’s against democratic principles not to contest by-election because of death – Mussa Dankwah

Pollster Mussa Dankwah has reacted to the decision by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to contest in the Tamale Central by-election following the tragic death of the lawmaker, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

In the view of Mussa Dankwah, it is undemocratic for a party to decide not to contest.

“It is against democratic principles not to contest a by-election because of a death. We can’t pick and choose. There must be a contest,” he wrote on Facebook.

His comment is the direct opposite of the view of the Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, on this matter.

Mr. Cudjoe stated that the decision by the NPP not to contest in the Tamale Central by-election is a good decision.

He urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to emulate the same and withdraw from the Akwatia by-election as well.

“The NPP has decided not to contest the late Hon. Murtala’s seat. Good call. The NDC should do the same. They should not contest Akwatia,” he wrote on Facebook.

For his part, private legal practitioner Kofi Bentil said that by-elections in Ghana should be scrapped altogether.

To him, there should be automatic replacement, not necessarily going to the polls to elect a new lawmaker in the wake of the demise of a Member of Parliament.

In a Facebook post, he said, “This is what a smart, sensitive political party does. I hope it is reciprocated. And as I’ve said in the past, I hope by-elections are scrapped altogether. Well done, NPP.”

Reacting to a comment that elections should be contested, he further said, “That view is not universally accepted. Ask the British why they replace prime ministers instead of voting each time.”

The NPP’s decision to withdraw from the by-election follows the tragic death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.

In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the decision was taken during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at its national headquarters.

The resolution, made in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was influenced by what the party described as the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the need to avoid deepening political divisions at a time of national mourning.

“The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP,” the statement read.

“The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.”

The party noted that the most fitting way to honour Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims was not only to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) but also to ensure a peaceful and uncontentious process to replace the late MP.

“When the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest,” the statement concluded.