The Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Kwabena Boateng, has clarified that the New Patriotic Party could not conduct its polling station elections in the constituency because of a pending legal dispute before the court. He explained that an injunction application served on party officials compelled all parties to suspend the electoral process until the matter is determined.
He explained that the disagreement emerged from concerns surrounding the register expected to be used for the internal elections. The Ejisu MP stated that party members across the country were directed to register at their polling stations if they intended to contest or vote in the internal exercise.
The MP disclosed that the registration exercise lasted for one month and was accompanied by several official directives from the party leadership. He noted that constituency executives and party members initially understood that the approved register would guide the elections.
“We were informed clearly from the beginning that only persons captured in the approved register would be eligible to contest or vote in the polling station elections.”
Honourable Kwabena Boateng
Furthermore, he recounted that the party issued operational guidelines and timelines to regulate the conduct of the polling station elections. He argued that every electoral process requires strict adherence to rules in order to avoid confusion and disputes.
“Only members whose details are duly entered in the official membership register at the polling station shall be eligible to vote or contest. Failure to participate in the registration exercise automatically disqualifies a member from taking part.”
Honourable Kwabena Boateng
He stated that tension arose four days before the scheduled election after constituency leaders were informed that another register could be used for the process. According to him, some executives considered the proposed change inconsistent with the approved rules governing the elections.
The MP indicated that several constituency executives objected to the proposal and later supported a court application seeking an injunction. He added that the legal action was intended to preserve fairness and ensure compliance with party regulations.
In addition, he argued that sudden changes to electoral arrangements could undermine confidence in the party’s internal democratic process. He stated that party structures must apply rules consistently to maintain credibility among members.
Honourable Boateng also dismissed suggestions that his position amounted to interference in the elections. He explained that his concern was centered on ensuring that agreed procedures were respected throughout the process.
He noted that extensive public announcements were made during the registration period to encourage members to enroll. Consequently, he questioned claims that some members would feel excluded if only registered persons participated in the elections.
Calls Grow For Adherence To Approved Election Guidelines
The Member of Parliament for Ejisu questioned attempts to introduce secret balloting procedures without the approval of constituency executives. He argued that decisions affecting the conduct of polling station elections should emerge from collective agreement within the constituency executive committee.
According to the Ejisu MP, the party’s operational guidelines assigned supervisory responsibilities to the regional representative while preserving decision making powers for constituency executives. He maintained that no single official should impose electoral procedures on local executives.
He explained that disagreement surfaced after constituency leaders were informed that secret balloting would be used for the elections. The MP indicated that some executives believed the proposal departed from the framework outlined in the party’s official regulations.
Moreover, he contended that internal democracy depends on consultation and adherence to agreed procedures. He warned that unilateral decisions could lead to mistrust among party members ahead of future internal contests.
Honourable Boateng observed that party elections remain important because they influence grassroot organisation and mobilisation. He therefore urged stakeholders to resolve disagreements through dialogue and lawful procedures to preserve unity within the constituency.
“Any decision regarding the election should be made by the constituency executive committee, and the process must follow the guidelines approved by the party.”
Honourable Kwabena Boateng
He expressed confidence that the court process would provide clarity on the disputed issues surrounding the elections. Meanwhile, he encouraged party supporters in the constituency to remain calm while awaiting the determination of the case.
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