The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has completed the vetting of aspirants in 90 constituencies as part of its preparations for upcoming internal elections. According to Mahdi Jibril, Director of Elections and Information Technology of the NDC, the party has also resolved most of the concerns that emerged during the nomination and vetting processes. These concerns included issues with filing nomination forms, payment of filing fees, and objections raised against aspirants.
The vetting exercise, being conducted across all 276 constituencies, aims to determine whether aspirants have satisfied the requirements set out by the party to contest the internal elections. Mr. Jibril acknowledged that the nomination process presented some challenges, particularly regarding the filing of forms and other requirements. The party took steps to examine these concerns and investigate cases involving aspirants who were unable to complete their filing within the stipulated period.
The NDC received objections against some aspirants during the nomination period and has mechanisms for examining and determining such matters. Mr. Jibril stressed that the NDC constitution and electoral guidelines remain central to the organisation of the internal elections. Some concerns that emerged during the process were linked to the interpretation of the party's rules, including questions concerning the relationship between provisions in the party constitution and procedures governing the internal elections.
The party reviewed and clarified these issues to help aspirants and party members understand the procedures that apply to the electoral process. Mr. Jibril urged aspirants and their supporters to make use of the established party structures whenever disagreements arise. Following the appropriate channels would allow concerns to be examined within the party's electoral framework and help prevent unnecessary disputes from affecting the process.
The NDC created channels through which aspirants could seek redress when they were dissatisfied with decisions taken during the nomination or vetting process. The party's procedures provide avenues for concerns to be reviewed, including regional appeals processes and other mechanisms for dealing with outstanding matters. A number of concerns brought before the party have already been addressed, while efforts are continuing to resolve matters that remain outstanding.
Mr. Jibril acknowledged that conducting a vetting exercise involving aspirants across all 276 constituencies is a major organisational undertaking that could come with logistical and procedural challenges. However, the party is dealing with the issues as they emerge and will continue to ensure that the process remains guided by its constitution and electoral guidelines. Lessons from the current exercise will be useful in improving future internal elections.
With vetting completed in 90 constituencies, the exercise is continuing in the remaining constituencies as the NDC prepares for the next stages of its internal electoral process. The party aims to ensure that concerns raised by aspirants and other party members are handled through the appropriate structures and in accordance with the applicable rules.
Key points
- The NDC has completed vetting aspirants in 90 constituencies.
- The party has resolved most concerns that emerged during the nomination and vetting processes.
- The vetting exercise is being conducted across all 276 constituencies.
