Konadu to lead smaller political parties to sue EC

Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, has threatened to lead the presidential candidates of smaller parties to sue the Electoral Commission (EC) over its decision to revoke the licenses of parties without offices in two-thirds of the districts.

Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings is drawing support from the presidential candidate of the Independent People's Party (IPP) Mr. Kofi Akpalu and Dr. Henry Lartey aspirant of the Great Consolidated People's Party (GCPP).

The EC has served notice that it will by May 31st revoke the licensee of dormant parties.

It argued most of these smaller parties do not have offices across the country as directed by the law.

But speaking in an interview with Kwame Tutu on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Akpalu of the IPP said, the EC is misinterpreting the constitution with regards to the provision of that law.

For him, the law rather stipulates that there should be a representation of the party in the districts and not necessarily establishing an administrative or satellite offices across the districts as being suggested by the EC.

He insisted the EC do not have the locus to revoke their license by misinterpreting the law and has urged them to sit with the parties to reconsider their decision.

On his part, presidential candidate of the GCPP, Dr. Henry Lartey said the law specifically say that the parties should organise themselves in all the regions and not necessarily offices.

He blamed the media for wrong and misinterpretation and charged them to be circumspect.

He said the GCPP has organised themselves already and are not sure they will be affected in any way.

Dr. Henry Lartey noted his party has remained very active in the political scene and participated always at IPAC.

He charged the EC to be wary of what they intend doing since their action may affect democracy in Ghana.

Dr. Henry Lartey revealed that his party is willing to support the former First Lady on her decision to sue the EC should they carry out with their decision to revoke license of smaller parties.