The Electoral Commission has announced that a parliamentary by-election will be held in the Ayawaso East Constituency on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 16, the Commission said the seat became vacant after the passing of the legislator and that, in line with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution as amended, it is required to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy.
The EC has opened nominations for prospective candidates. Nomination forms will be received at the Ayawaso East Municipal Office of the Commission at North Ridge from Monday, February 9, to Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Submissions will be accepted between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm, and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on each of the stated days. Candidates are required to download nomination forms from the Electoral Commission’s website from Friday, January 16, through to Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
According to the Commission, a candidate may submit completed nomination forms personally or through either the proposer or seconder to the Returning Officer at the Ayawaso East Municipal Office. Each nomination form must be endorsed by two registered voters in the constituency who will act as proposer and seconder, and supported by eighteen additional registered voters who must also be registered in the constituency.
The EC stressed that all completed nomination forms must be submitted in quadruplicate.
The filing fee has been set at GHC10,000 per candidate. Female candidates and Persons with Disabilities will pay a reduced fee of GHC7,500.
The Commission has urged prospective candidates and political parties to strictly comply with the timelines and procedures to ensure a smooth and credible by-election.
Mahama Naser Toure passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on January 4, 2026, after a period of illness. He was serving his fourth term in Parliament and held several key roles, including Vice Chairman of the Energy Committee, as well as membership on the Roads and Transport Committee, the House Committee, and the Private Members’ Bills and Motions Committee.