Elder Emmanuel Tobbin, the New Patriotic Party Parliamentary Candidate for Anyaa-Sowutuom will head to parliament next year after recording an important win in one of the party’s strongholds.

In an election where a significant number of the ruling party parliamentary candidates came up surprisingly short in what have long been regarded as safe seats, Mr. Tobbin warded off fierce competition from the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Emmanuel Allotey.

According to the provisional results, Mr. Tobbin garnered 42,790 as opposed to Mr. Allotey who got 37,984 in a pivotal constituency for the ruling party. The rejected ballot amounted to 491.

Both candidates are fresh faces in national politics. Mr. Tobbin triumphed over medical doctor and outgoing MP for the area, Dr. Adomako Kissi in the intra party primaries in January.

In his campaign for the NPP parliamentary candidacy, he insisted that the party needed a strong leader capable of uniting its members ahead of the general election in December.

The switch on the NPP side has been unusual for a constituency that has enjoyed relative stability for decades.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey held its parent constituency and this area, which was carved in 2012 for a combined 16 years before opting not to contest in 2020.