The former Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has opened up about voter apathy in the stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Ashanti Region, which contributed to the party’s inability to secure a significant number of votes from the region, thereby hindering their electoral chances.
Speaking on the findings following a probe into why the NPP lost the 2024 general elections on February 25, 2025, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu revealed how Ashanti electorates were not hesitant to admit that they voted for the NDC in the elections, despite being long-time supporters and associates of the NPP.
The experienced politician added that this development had never happened before, referencing the 2008 elections when the NPP lost to the NDC. He noted that, during that time, people in the Ashanti Region were afraid to even publicly admit that they had voted against the NPP.
“… In 2008, when the NPP lost the elections, nobody in Kumasi wanted to admit voting for the NDC when we went around asking about what could have caused our loss. This time around, our loss was massive and then you go to a place and people are not afraid to admit that they voted for the NDC and against the NPP,” he said.
The former Member of Parliament for Suame, however, acknowledged the current turn of events, noting that the electorate’s willingness to openly express their intent to vote the NPP back into power, provided the right actions are taken, reflects a positive development.
He regarded this as a demonstration of sincerity, emphasizing that it signifies the electorate’s ability and readiness to effectively engage, and work together with the party.
“They come to you and tell you why they voted against us even saying if we change our ways, they will vote for us to return to government. To me that is good news because people want to be sincere with you,” he added.
MAG/EK
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