The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that a parliamentary by-election will take place in the Ayawaso East Constituency on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure. In a statement issued on Friday, January 16, 2026, and signed by Deputy Chairman for Operations, Samuel Tettey, the Commission confirmed that the seat has been declared vacant in accordance with Article 112(5) of the Constitution, thereby necessitating a by-election.
The EC further indicated that nominations will be accepted from individuals wishing to contest the seat. The nomination exercise is scheduled for Monday, February 9 to Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Ayawaso East Municipal Office of the Commission in North Ridge. Submissions will be received daily between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
According to the Commission, interested candidates are required to download nomination forms from the Electoral Commission’s website between Friday, January 16 and Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Candidates may submit their completed forms personally or through their proposer or seconder to the Returning Officer at the designated office within the stated period.
Each nomination form must be endorsed by two registered voters in the constituency serving as proposer and seconder, and supported by eighteen other registered voters who assent to the nomination. Candidates are also required to indicate their consent to the nomination on the form.
At the point of submission, candidates are required to provide two copies of a recent postcard-sized photograph with a red background, clearly displaying the full face and ears. The filing fee for the by-election has been fixed at GH¢10,000 per candidate, with a concessionary rate of GH¢7,500 for female aspirants and persons with disabilities.
Nomination forms must be submitted in quadruplicate. The Electoral Commission has called on the public and all prospective candidates to take note of these guidelines and ensure strict compliance with the stated requirements.
Source: Abigail Arthur
