The New Patriotic Party (NPP) election to elect Regional Executives in the Oti Region is underway at a slow pace at the Jasikan Diocesan Formation and Counselling Centre at Nsuta-Buem in the Jasikan Municipality.

As at 1300 hours when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) checked, 58 out of the 216 delegates expected to vote had cast their ballots.

The election, which commenced at 0840 hours, was generally peaceful, with delegates and supporters gathered at the centre awaiting their turn to vote.

An agent, who requested anonymity, attributed the slow pace of voting to some delegates allegedly waiting to receive financial support from some of the candidates before casting their ballots.

An aspirant for the Second Vice-Chairman position, who also spoke to the GNA on condition of anonymity, expressed a similar view, saying the development could be contributing to the low voter turnout.

Thirty 30 candidates are contesting 11 positions in the regional executive elections.

The positions include the Regional Chairman, First and Second Vice-Chairmen, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Communications Officer, Youth Organiser, Women’s Organiser and Nasara Coordinator.

The election was expected to close at 1400 hours, but delegates who were already in the queue before the close of polls would be allowed to cast their ballots.

Party officials and security personnel were present at the centre to ensure orderly and peaceful conduct of the election.

The exercise is being closely monitored by party members, supporters and other stakeholders as the party seeks to elect executives to steer its affairs in the region for four years.