NPP Guidelines for Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries, Aspiring Candidates Cautioned

NPP Guidelines for Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries: The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has recently convened its National Council meeting to discuss and finalize the guidelines for the party’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary primaries.

The meeting, held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, saw extensive deliberations resulting in several decisions and resolutions.

Restrictions for Aspiring Candidates

The National Council emphasized the importance of unity and transparency in the selection process and introduced some restrictive measures for Aspiring Presidential Candidates. According to the guidelines, regional and constituency party executives wishing to contest in primaries within constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament must resign from their respective positions no later than September 20, 2023. This measure aims to ensure impartiality and fairness during the primaries.

Moreover, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament are ineligible to participate in the parliamentary primaries for those constituencies, further encouraging a level playing field.

Approved Presidential Candidates

The Vetting Committee’s recommendations for the Aspiring Presidential Candidates have been approved by the National Council. Ten candidates have been given the green light to contest in the primaries, including prominent figures such as Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Mr. Kwadwo Poku, and His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Special Electoral College and Elections Committee

The NPP has scheduled a Special Electoral College for August 26, 2023, which will be held in each of the 16 Regional Capitals. Each delegate will have one vote and must cast it by secret ballot for only one candidate.

To ensure smooth conduct and supervision of the Special Electoral College and the National Congress, an Elections Committee has been constituted, with distinguished members from various fields.

Code of Conduct Enforcement

The National Council expressed concern over unhealthy comments and utterances from some Aspiring Presidential Candidates and their supporters that could potentially harm party unity. In light of this, the Council reinforced compliance with the Code of Conduct for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of the Party, promising strict action against any violations.

Unity Pledge and Proxy Application

As part of the measures to foster party unity, Aspiring Presidential Candidates are required to sign an undertaking with the party. This commitment pledges support to the eventual winner of the primaries and prohibits them from running as an Independent Presidential Candidate or on another political party’s ticket.

The NPP has also established a process for delegate proxy application to ensure a smooth voting process.

Conclusion and Anticipated Compliance

The NPP hopes that these guidelines and regulations will be strictly adhered to by all stakeholders, especially the candidates and their supporters, in the best interest of the party. The primaries are scheduled for November 4, 2023, to select the party’s flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.

As the date approaches, the NPP anticipates the cooperation of all involved parties to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. The party extends its best wishes to all Aspiring Presidential Candidates, urging them to abide by the rules and uphold the integrity of the selection process.

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