NPP to decide date for parliamentary primaries for sitting MPs …Clears 11 disqualified aspirants
Although the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expected to conduct its parliamentary primaries ahead of the 2020 elections,it is yet to set date for election in constituencies with incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs).
The party has slated Saturday, September 28, 2019 for conduct of primaries in its ‘orphan constituencies’ across the country, however the date for constituencies with sitting MPs is unknown.
Gary Nimako, the Director of Research and Elections for the NPP, said the National Council was yet to take a decision on the matter.
“The National Executive Committee also triggered discussion for conduct of parliamentary primaries for constituencies where we have sitting Members of Parliament but final decision will be taken by National Council of party,” he stated.
The NPP parliamentary primaries are set to happen in two weeks’ time in 105 constituencies across the country which comes after the party put on hold its parliamentary primary in the Chereponi Constituency after considering some ‘local dynamics’.
However, the party has cleared 11 persons who were initially disqualified from contesting in parliamentary primaries in ‘orphaned constituencies’ in four regions.
They are Betty Gorleku (Ada), Clement Wilkinson (Amasaman), Alexander Narh-Gbeeku (Ashiaman), Harry Quartey (Korle Klottey), Nathaniel Nartey and Michael Annan (Odododiodoo).
The rest are Solomon Donkor (Juaboso), Alex Asuma (Binduri), Daniel Gariba (Builsa South), Abubakar Wuni (Bawku Central) and Dr Frank Yirenkyi (Biakoye)
Manaf Ibrahim and Gifty Ndoma of Asawase and Ejura/Sekyeredumase respectively, who were suspended by the party for misconduct, are to “apologise to the Ashanti Regional executives and to the party for their suspension to be reconsidered”.
A statement issued on Friday by the General Secretary of the NPP, John Boadu, said the NEC at its meeting on September 12, 2019 also proposed January 12, 2020 for the party to conduct primaries in constituencies where sitting MPs are from the party.
It said non-members of parliament seeking to contest in the party’s primaries will be required to pay development fee of GH¢30,000 which was in line with convention of nomination fee for aspiring candidates pegged at GH¢2,000 and filing fee of GH¢20,000. However, persons with disabilities, women and the youth will enjoy 50 per cent on the filing fee and development levy.
The statement said the National Council of party will also approve guidelines and modalities for conduct of presidential primaries for 2020 general elections. -citinewsroom.com/3news.com
