Politics is a domain where promises, pain, and intimidation have long been intertwined.
As the journey towards the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries unfolds, it becomes evident that these familiar tools of the trade have played a significant role. The contest has been marked by a blend of commitments, challenges, and coercive tactics, setting the stage for what lies beyond the crucial date of November 4th, as time alone will reveal.
Recent reports indicate the effective implementation of a whip system in favor of a specific candidate, leading the Vice President to maintain a significant lead in the polls, albeit with a tinge of apprehension.
According to the findings of a recent poll conducted by Global Info Analytics, encompassing 4300 delegates and conducted across four polls between August 2nd and October 11th, 2023, Dr. Bawumia is leading the race with 43%. Notably, the poll highlights the contest as a two-horse race, with Kennedy Agyapong securing 23%, while Addai-Nimoh and Osei-Akoto securing less than a percent each.
Among the various insights provided by the poll, an essential aspect pertains to the high approval rating of the incumbent President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, standing at 79% among the delegates. This statistic notably contrasts with the national approval rate of 32%, indicating the President’s significant support base among the voters set to participate in the November 4th election, thereby signifying the substantial influence of his endorsement within the party.
However, the survey also sheds light on a noteworthy aspect of intimidation within the political landscape. A considerable 18% of the participants remained undecided, while an additional 14% refrained from disclosing their preferred candidate. In a typical survey, the combined number of such respondents might range between 5 to 8%, making this figure of 32% an exceptional outlier. Analysts suggest that these percentages reflect individuals who have either been intimidated or fear repercussions if they openly support Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
Reports have emerged detailing Kennedy Ohene Agyapong’s purported pledges to ensure that Members of Parliament who do not endorse his bid would lose their seats should he emerge victorious. Interestingly, several notable figures within the party, known for their longstanding affiliations with Agyapong, have exhibited surprising neutrality, leading to speculation about the underlying dynamics at play.
Despite this, many within the political sphere opine that the outcome might have been different had Alan chosen to continue his bid.
Demographically, predictions suggest that Kennedy Agyapong is expected to perform well in pivotal swing regions such as Greater Accra, Central, and Western, albeit not surpassing Bawumia’s support in these areas. Conversely, in the predominant Akan regions, where the NPP holds significant influence, Dr. Bawumia is projected to secure victory with 37.2% compared to Agyapong’s 31.6%. The poll also anticipates a decisive win for Bawumia in the Northern regions, while the results in the Volta region align closely with the national trends.
Given the poll’s data from Global Info Analytics, it is plausible to conclude that the silence of the undecided and undisclosed voters in the survey could potentially be attributed to apprehension stemming from the fear of intimidation should Kennedy Agyapong emerge victorious.
Breaking The 8
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) undertakes a series of strategies to extend its political tenure beyond the customary eight-year cycle, the implementation of the Super Delegates Conference remains a focal point of attention. Did it give the so much projected high returns?
Despite these efforts, the historical trends appear difficult to break.
As the race progresses to the final four candidates for the forthcoming November phase, the political climate within the NPP remains characterized by a haulage of promises, pain, and ‘proven’ intimidation.
Nevertheless, some prominent members of the party maintain that the current situation aligns with the party’s ethos of tolerance and advocacy for freedom of expression, underscoring the party’s commitment to upholding the nation’s democratic values.
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