The New Patriotic Party’s National Secretariat has released supplementary directives for the impending parliamentary primaries in orphan constituencies on December 2, 2023.
In a press release, the party emphasized that these guidelines aim to uphold the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
Furthermore, the party encouraged constituency parliamentary election committees to utilize the same locations as those employed in the recently concluded presidential election.
“Constituency Executive Committees are, however, advised to coordinate with their respective Regional Executive Committees should a venue change be deemed necessary. Also, Regional Executive Committees are urged to inform the National Party of any venue changes by Monday, November 27, 2023.”
New Patriotic Party
Orphan constituencies are constituencies where the NPP does not have a sitting member of parliament.
The party said its Constituency Parliamentary Elections Committee shall comprise the following members: Chairperson of the Constituency Council of Elders as Chair; Constituency Chairperson; Constituency Secretary, who shall be the Secretary to the Committee; An elderly woman in the constituency appointed by the Constituency Executive Committee and; Constituency Research and Elections Officer.
“In cases where the Constituency Chairperson is a contestant, the First Vice Chairman will assume the role on the committee. Similarly, if the secretary is a contestant, the Assistant Secretary will undertake the responsibilities.”
New Patriotic Party
NPP Eyes Ashanti Region For Running Mate
Meanwhile, Samuel Adu Gyamfi, a Professor in the Political Science Department at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, has remarked that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, have shown an inclination toward selecting a running mate from the Ashanti Region for the 2024 elections.
“It will not be surprising that [Dr. Bawumia] will consider someone from the Ashanti Region. The region has supported the NPP and they gave their support to candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Ashanti Region has contributed massively to the growth of the NPP.”
Professor Samuel Adu Gyamfi
Professor Adu Gyamfi added that both Dr. Bawumia and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Former President John Dramani Mahama, are likely to choose running mates capable of mobilizing significant voter support. He emphasized that the selection of a vice-presidential candidate involves careful consideration of various factors.
“They wouldn’t just pick anyone,” he added.
He added that if the running mate is not going to add to the fortune of the flagbearer he or she should be jettisoned.
Also, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has said that the process to select his running mate for the 2024 general elections will start next year. He explained that per the rules of the party, the presidential candidate, national executives, and council of elders of the NDC will have to come together and select the person.
“What I will say is that, just like custom has it, our party also has processes to select candidates for various roles. It is the presidential candidate, National executives, and Council of Elders who come together to select a running mate. But that process will start next year.”
John Dramani Mahama
The Queen mother of Sunyani Nana Akosua Dua Sika Asor Brayie earlier appealed to him to select his running mate from the Bono Region. She told Mr Mahama that the people of Bono Region have supported him and the NDC over the period, hence would want him to reciprocate that support by choosing his vice presidential candidate from the region.
It is likely both parties will announce their choices in 2024.
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