Candidates for the run-off local elections in Siliana are carrying on their campaign until midnight on Friday, before the electoral silence. Candidate Nizar Atiri for South Makther, who secured 330 votes in the first round, pledged to work for upgrading infrastructure, increasing support to farmers, developing the industrial zone and establishing a museum in the region. Hamdi Ben Rebiha, running in the same constituency with 318 votes in the first round, presented a programme aimed to upgrade infrastructure and sports facilities, refurbish schools and build a local hospital. Candidate Mohamed Kamel Arfaoui, running in North Bourouis, undertook develop public institutions, bring administrative services closer to citizens, set up a sanitation network and boost the industrial sector. Bourouis local council is made up of six constituencies, three of which are in the running for the run-off. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has asked it members to open their doors to all political parties for engagement ahead of the 2024 elections. A press statement copied to the Ghana News Agency and signed by the President, Dr Joseph Obeng, said the Association was ready to facilitate constructive engagements with all political parties and urged its members to welcome all. It said that platform would enable the political parties to share their visions with the Association as well as ascertain the needs of the trading community and factor them into their policies. The engagement with the political parties, the statement noted, would be beneficial to the trading and business community in making informed decision in the upcoming General Election. As Ghana goes to the polls on December 7, 2024, key among the issues is trade facilitation and growth, which the Association said was critical in harnessing the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The trading community is expec ting the manifestoes of the parties to have a true reflection of their needs amid the implementation of an International Monetary Fund (IMF)-loan support programme. Source: Ghana News Agency