The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will, this weekend, organise a Special Delegates Conference to cut down the number of its presidential aspirants from 10 to five, as stipulated in its Constitution. The Special Electoral College of the NPP will engage in the first democratic process of whittling down the presidential aspirants before the National Delegates Congress is held on November 4, 2023.
The Special Delegates Conference will take place on August 26, 2023 at all the 16 regional capitals nationwide and at the Party Headquarters, making 17 voting centres in all. It will be conducted by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, with assistance from the Presidential Elections Committee of the party, with the Ghana Police Service providing security.
The ten presidential aspirants for the Super Delegates Conference are as follows; Kennedy Agyapong, Alan Kyerematen, Joe Ghartey, Kwadwo Poku, Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. The rest are Addai Nimo, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Mr. Kyerematen Agyarko and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Presidential Elections Committee has called on the various presidential aspirants and their representatives to refrain from disseminating information that undermine the credibility and integrity of the committee and the party, ahead of Saturday’s election.
The Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Kwabena Abankwah-Yeboah, made the call at a press conference held in Accra to provide an update on the Committee’s work, ahead of the election on Saturday. He assured all the aspirants of the commitment of the Committee to conduct a free, fair and transparent election without any bias, fear or favour.
Mr. Abankwah-Yeboah, therefore, urged all stakeholders in the electoral process to abide by the rules and regulations governing the polls. The Chronicle agrees with the Presidential Elections Committee and also would use the opportunity to remind the NPP that this is a crucial democratic event for party members and Ghanaians in general. As the doyen of the political partys’ democratic practice in Ghana, the NPP has to recognise the significance of preserving the credibility of the elections and ensuring an atmosphere of peace and non-violence.
It is important for the delegates to know that the outcomes of the election would ensure that those elected to represent the party genuinely reflect the preferences of its members, fostering a sense of trust in the party’s direction and vision. Also, a fair and transparent election process helps prevent divisions and internal conflicts that can arise from suspicions of bias or manipulation. It promotes unity by emphasising shared goals and principles over personal interests.
As the Special Delegates Conference draws near, let us emphasise the importance of credibility and peaceful participation. We call upon all party members, supporters and stakeholders to recognise that credible elections are the lifeblood of a thriving democracy. Simultaneously, let us embrace the fact that peaceful and non-violent elections are the bedrock upon which a harmonious society is built.
The NPP can not only ensure a process that is fair and reflective of the people’s will but also set a positive example for the nation. May the best candidates win.
