By: KALD & Fred Duhoe|Voltaonlinegh.com|
Voting has commenced across all polling stations within the proposed Oti region amidst tightened security to forestall any disturbances that could disrupt the referendum process.
Voltaonlinegh.com correspondents in the area report that, enthusiastic residents have defied the dry-hazy-cold harmattan weather to queue at voting centres, long before voting begun at 7:00am.
In all, some 366,545 registered voters in the eight earmarked districts and municipalities as well as four other traditional areas, for the new region are taking their turns at 814 polling stations to vote on whether the proposed Oti region should be created or not.
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Correspondent, Fred Duhoe reports from Dambai in the Krachi East municipality that, business activities in the area have come to a standstill as voters trooped the polling centres to cast their ballot.
The chief of Dambai, Nana Koku Beyennor II was the first to cast his vote at the Lapaz polling station “A” where over 15 have people so far voted.
He is very optimistic, they will meet the constitutional threshold of at least 50 per cent voter turnout and 80 per cent ‘yes’ vote to see through the creation of their long desired Oti region.
According to Nana Koku Beyennor, “There is vim for victory; there are no worries at all. The turn out this morning alone speaks for itself and we have no worries at all.”
The Krachi East Member of Parliament, Mr. Michael Gyato who is on monitoring visits to some of the polling centres, said it was obvious the day will end well with victory.
“I have been to a number of polling stations already and I can say on authority that there is nothing that will hinder our progress.”
Unsafe Terrain for Media
Meanwhile, media personnel covering the referendum have been asked be to be extra vigilant on their rounds as the ground was not safe due to rising tension.
The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Doku, has thus advised reporters to restrict their movements and converge at the Bueman Senior High School in Jasikan where a press centre will be set up for them to operate from.
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Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com