The National Chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Freddie Blay, has stated his party has not failed to caution its members with regards to the ongoing social media campaign for the next election.
Speaking in an interview, he indicated that he disagrees with the assertion that, the party has failed in its responsibility to put the party members in check.
His comments come on the back of alleged social media campaigns by intending persons for various positions in the next election.
Mr. Blay averred that no individual, in this case a party member, can be punished for campaigning since it is social media and one can’t know who to point out in that regard.
He revealed that the party has been telling its members that, the time is inappropriate for such campaigns. Additionally, he averred that when the time is due time they will ask interested members to file their papers or put up themselves as candidates for any position of interest.
“More so, the President has come out boldly to say that Members of the Cabinet who want to pick before the time is due, he will ask you to put down your position and go and campaign.”
Freddie Blay
NPP Calls For Those Involved To Desist
Furthermore, he also noted that what they can do as a party, is to rather discourage the members taking such steps to desist. This, he disclosed is because sanctioning the members is out of place as a result of the social media platforms.
“With this period of revolution of social media, it is difficult to advise people, stop people and even pinpoint them to stop what they are doing. Except those in the cabinet who will be principled to conduct themselves accordingly.”
Freddie Blay
Moreover, he added that, the sanctioning can only be carried out if the Members are found campaigning physically and not behind social media.
“If you come out on radio; in the print media, or you yourself as member goes to meet members of the executive or a branch, and tell them that you are canvasing for support, then of course you are openly campaigning.
“Truly they are not in government. Because if they are in government, the President will do something about. Because when we come out we meet party executives, we advise party executives to desist from such.”
Freddie Blay
Disciplinary Measures Must Work
Also speaking on the issue, Mr. Awudu Mahama, a publisher said all political parties are governed by rules and there are disciplinary measures in NPP. And as a result, in NPP’s case, the constitution must work.
Touching on Mr. Blays comments, he averred that he does not see why the party should be helpless in this ongoing situation.
“Your duty as a political party is to enforce discipline and you should also have rules governing the party. And if somebody wants to be a presidential candidate of your party, the person must conduct himself within the confines of the rules and the constitution.”
Awudu Mahama
Furthermore, he indicated that, the situation can be seen as helpless if the NPP has no constitution governing these campaigns. However, he posited that if this is so, then it creates a dent on the party.
He then suggested that sanctions should be metted out to cabinet members whose pictures have been appearing and have not made efforts to stop the campaigns.
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