March 3 set for Ayawaso East Parliamentary by-election after MP’s death

The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled a parliamentary by-election in the Ayawaso East Constituency for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following the passing of the area’s sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure.

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The announcement, made official in a press release issued on Friday, January 16, 2026, sets in motion a constitutional process to fill the vacant legislative seat in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.

Toure, a long-serving representative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a four-term MP, died on January 4, 2026 after an illness, leaving the Ayawaso East seat open ahead of the general parliamentary term.

In announcing the by-election date, the EC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair and transparent electoral process to ensure that constituents are not left without representation for an extended period.

The EC has opened the nomination window for prospective candidates seeking to contest the March by-election.

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According to the commission, nomination forms will be received at the Ayawaso East Municipal Office in North Ridge from Monday, February 9 to Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Forms can be submitted between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day during the nomination period.

Prospective candidates are required to download nomination forms from the EC’s official website starting Friday, January 16, 2026, up to the close of the nomination period. Completed forms must be endorsed by two registered voters in the constituency, one serving as proposer and the other as seconder, and supported by 18 additional registered voters.

Nominations may be submitted by the candidate personally or delivered on their behalf by either proposer or seconder. Each candidate must also submit two recent passport-sized photographs against a red background, and pay a non-refundable filing fee of GH¢10,000.

Female candidates and persons with disabilities are eligible for a reduced filing fee of GH¢7,500. The Ayawaso East by-election is expected to attract keen interest from the major political parties. The constituency has been represented by the NDC for over a decade, and party supporters are already mobilising to defend the seat.

Local voices within the NDC have called for unity behind a chosen candidate, arguing that retaining Ayawaso East is critical for maintaining the party’s parliamentary strength.

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Other political groups, including the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), have indicated intentions to contest the by-election, emphasising the need for strong representation that addresses local needs and accountability.