NPP National Delegates Congress; Aspirants ballot for positions today, Alan chickens out

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee takes a major step towards the November 4 National Delegates Congress with the balloting for positions on the ballot paper for four aspirants today, Wednesday.

Originally five aspirants were scheduled for the balloting but Alan Kyerematen announced his withdrawal from the flag bearer contest on Tuesday evening.

The four aspirants who would participate in the balloting are Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai Nimo.

In line with Article 13(9) of the party’s constitution, the party held a special Delegates Congress to shortlist the aspirants from 10 to 5.

Alan pulls out
In a statement announcing his withdrawal from the flag bearer race, Mr Kyerematen cited reasons including intimidation of his supporters and the skewing of affairs to favour one of the candidates. “The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly, unleashed on a significant number of delegates at various voting centres across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our party.

“In addition, the fact that my polling agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eyesight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other voting centres, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable. I am committed to, and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest,” Mr Kyerematen stated.

Next move
Mr Kyerematen did not indicate his next move saying that would be made known in due course . “In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,” he added.