Richard Ahiagbah, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) director of communications, has stated that while the party’s National Council’s decision to organize itself into an electoral college to break ties is novel and to some extent unpopular, it is not in any way unconstitutional.
Tweeted by Mr. Ahiagbah, “The decision of the National Council to constitute itself into an electoral college to break the tie is novel and to some extent unpopular, but it is by no means unconstitutional. I regret the withdrawal of Mr. Agyarko from the race, but I believe that the National Council made a difficult decision in the absence of a superior alternative to promote the interest of the New Patriotic Party. The battle is the Lord’s.”
In the runoff election on Saturday between Francis Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, a former Mampong Member of Parliament (MP), the NPP has decided to allow only National Council members to vote.
The two tied for fifth place in the Super Delegates’ Conference last Saturday with nine votes each.
As a result, the Chairman of the Elections Committee, Rev Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, immediately declared a run-off to determine who would join the first four for the actual November 4 Presidential Primary.
There were several suggestions, including allowing both to run in the elections in November, but the format was decided at the meeting on Wednesday.
Only National Council members will cast ballots, according to information gathered by InsightNewsgh.com.
The Council is made up of elected National Executive Committee (NEC) members, former National Chairmen and General Secretaries, 20 Members of Parliament, and regional representatives.
The Council is made up of elected National Executive Committee (NEC) members, former National Chairmen and General Secretaries, 20 Members of Parliament, and regional representatives.
The party decided to limit voting to National Council members in order to save money and free up time for the other super delegates to convene for a run-off.
The November 4 primary was easily won last Saturday by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Trade Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, and former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.
However, Mr. Agyarko and Mr. Addai-Nimoh tied for fifth place.
