Prof. Mike Oquaye, PEC Chairperson
The newly inaugurated New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) has announced that balloting of the 10 aspirants for the Special Electoral College will be held today July 26, 2023 following concerns raised by the aspirants at its maiden meeting on Monday July 24, 2023.
A statement issued on Tuesday, by July 24, 2023 said balloting of the Presidential aspirants which was scheduled for Tuesday July, 24 2023 could not take place as planned in line with the party’s calendar towards the Special Electoral College due to concerns raised by the representatives of the aspirants.
These concerns include, a “diverse range of topics including modalities, venues, run-off, procedures, breaking the tie, voter register. In light of these concerns, the representatives requested a brief adjournment to consult with the Presidential candidates.
The Committee graciously granted their request and has now rescheduled a meeting and deliberations and the subsequent balloting on Wednesday July 26, 2023 at 11: 00 am,” it stated.
In line with the party’s constitution, article 13(9); the party will hold a special Delegates Congress to shortlist Presidential aspirants to 5 in the event “where there are more than 5 contestants for nomination as the party’s Presidential candidate”.
Some of the delegates shortlisted to vote during the Special delegates Congress include members of the National Council, National and Regional Executive Committees.
Others are past National Officers, three representatives from every Branch, Founding members during the registration of the party at the Electoral Commission (EC), all card bearing ministers when the party is in government, Members of Parliament, among others.
The 10 Aspirants who have been approved by the National Council of the party for the Special Delegates Conference are Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko.
The rest are Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Dr Owusu Akoto Afiriye; Joe Ghartey and Francis Addai-Nimoh, Kojo Poku, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
According to an earlier statement by the Director of Elections of the party, the Special Delegates Conference will be held on August 26, 2023, to shortlist the 10 aspirants to five while the rest of the delegates go to polls to elect 1 of the five aspirants as the party’s flagbearer on November 4, 2023.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah