The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) as constitutionally appropriate.
However, he acknowledges that critics have the right to remind the government of its past stance on similar appointments.
The swearing-in of 43-year-old Affi Agbenyo has generated controversy due to her affiliation with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), where she served as a spokesperson on governance during the 2024 general elections.
Following her appointment, past social media posts deemed political and a video of her speaking as an NDC representative went viral, prompting questions about her independence and neutrality.
Critics have also accused the NDC of hypocrisy, having criticised similar appointments under the New Patriotic Party administration.
Iddrisu said the criticisms are legitimate but the appointment is equally legitimate.
“I know Affi very well, and I’ve worked with Affi. Affi, as at yesterday, was working under my Ministry, under TVET Services as Deputy to the Chief Executive. Now, is it constitutionally appropriate? Those are the questions you should ask. Does the President have the power under Article 45 to appoint?” he said on Joy FM Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
He noted that beyond Articles 45 and 46, there is no legislation defining eligibility thresholds for entry into the Commission.
On the kind of EC he expects, he said: “I just want an Electoral Commission that does not endanger democratic ethos and values. Persons who are independent, persons who are courageous, and persons who uphold the values of transparency.”
He also hinted at far-reaching constitutional reforms under President Mahama, disclosing that the Attorney General is expected to introduce bills to amend both entrenched and non-entrenched provisions of the Constitution when Parliament resumes.
“So, I think that the appointment is constitutionally appropriate, but politically, people have the right to remind us that if you seek equity, do equity,” he said.
Addressing concerns about Affi Agbenyo’s past political activity, he said it would only be unacceptable if it continues in office.
He also dismissed claims that EC officials can manipulate election results, stressing that winning elections and preventing fraud remain largely the responsibility of candidates and their teams.
