Alan cannot contest for NPP flag-bearer

A youth activist of the opposition NPP, Haruna Mahama says Mr. Alan Kyerematen is not qualified to contest the flag-bearership of the party for elections 2012.

He argues Mr. Kyerematen cannot vie for the position because that will violate the constitution of the party.

Explaining his arguments in a press statement issued over last weekend, Mr. Mahama said the failed presidential candidate resigned from the party last year and rejoined.

Technically he is disqualified from contesting the flag-bearership of the party until after a certain number of years, he asserted.

Article 12, Section 1, Clause A of the party’s constitution "The election of the Party's Presidential Candidate shall take place at National Congress held not later than twenty-four (24) months from the date of the National Election...."

Clause 4 of the same Article states "No member shall be entitled to nomination as the Party's Presidential Candidate unless he or she'. (i) Is a known and active Member of at least five (5) years."

But Mr. Kyerematen resigned in April and returned in May 2008, which makes it impossible for him to meet five years standing a member in good standing.

Mr. Mahama’s contention is that Mr. Kyerematen’s membership will be calculated from when he rejoined the party in May last year.

The former NPP Secretary for Bole says his statement was in reaction to statement by group calling itself ‘Friends of Alan Cash Campaign’ who claimed they had launched a campaign for Mr. Kyerematen.