The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rescheduled the date for the conduct of parliamentary primary in constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament to the 27th of January instead of the earlier announced date of January 20, 2024.
Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the Party, announced the change after a National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, December 6.
The NPP also announced that campaign activities in these constituencies would be suspended until the 2024 budget is approved.
The governing Party had earlier elected parliamentary candidates in orphan constituencies, constituencies held by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on December 2.
Furthermore, the Party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has requested to name his running mate on another date other than December 6, 2023. According to Article 13 of the NPP’s Constitution, the Flagbearer should announce his running mate 12 months before the general elections.
Since December 7, 2023, marks exactly 12 months to the 2024 elections, the NPP’s National Executive Council had to consider possible candidates on December 6.
However, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia requested an extension of time to consult further on his selection of a running mate.
Following the request, the Council has granted Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s request, and a new date for the announcement of the running mate will be communicated soon.
The decision by the NPP to reschedule the date for the conduct of parliamentary primary in constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s request to have more time reflects the Party’s commitment to ensuring a democratic process in selecting its candidates.
By Vincent Kubi