The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has issued a directive to all prospective parliamentary aspirants, their agents, and supporters to immediately stop all campaign activities. This move comes ahead of the party's parliamentary primaries, following complaints that some party members seeking parliamentary seats have already begun campaigning in various constituencies. The directive aims to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants and maintain party unity.
According to the NPP, the campaign activities that have been banned include mounting posters and billboards, organizing rallies and meetings, distributing items or inducements to delegates and party members, and paid media and social media advertising promoting prospective parliamentary candidates. Party officers at various levels, including TESCON, have also been barred from promoting any parliamentary aspirant on social media or facilitating premature campaign activities.
The NPP's General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, signed a statement dated October 11, emphasizing that such conduct is contrary to the party's regulations and code of conduct. The statement noted that these activities create an uneven playing field and undermine the unity and discipline that the party's success depends on. The party has warned that anyone who violates the directive risks disciplinary action, which could affect their eligibility to contest in the upcoming parliamentary primaries.
Constituency and regional executives have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the directive within their respective jurisdictions. The NPP has assured its members that it will announce the timetable and guidelines for its parliamentary processes in due course. The party's decision aims to maintain internal cohesion and ensure that the primaries are conducted fairly and transparently.
The directive is a proactive measure to prevent potential conflicts and ensure that the party's primaries are conducted in an orderly manner. By halting campaign activities, the NPP seeks to prevent aspirants from gaining an unfair advantage over others. This move is also expected to help maintain peace and stability within the party.
The NPP's parliamentary primaries are a crucial step in the party's preparations for the general elections. The party's ability to conduct a free, fair, and transparent primaries will be closely watched by its members, supporters, and the general public. The directive demonstrates the party's commitment to upholding its regulations and code of conduct.
The NPP's decision to halt campaign activities is a significant development in Ghana's political landscape. The party's efforts to maintain internal cohesion and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants will be crucial in determining the outcome of its parliamentary primaries. The party's leadership will need to balance the need for internal control with the demands of its members and supporters.
Key points
- The NPP has directed prospective parliamentary aspirants to cease all campaign activities ahead of its parliamentary primaries.
- The directive aims to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants and maintain party unity.
- Constituency and regional executives have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the directive.
