Accra, Aug. 7, GNA - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor with a bandaged on his right hand forefinger, was among delegates, who voted at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Headquarters in Accra on Saturday, to elect the Party's flagbearer for Election 2012.

He went through the voting procedure and was cheered by party activists and sympathisers present at the headquarters.

Former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama also voted at the same polling station, as well as National Council Members, former Chief of Staff, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, National Executive Committee Members and National Council of Elders.

According to the rules and guidelines of the elections, other delegates expected to vote at the Party's headquarters are past national officers, past presidential candidates and running mates, three representatives of each of the special organs of the party.

The special organs are - the National Youth Wing, National Women's Wing, 12 delegates from each external branch and all proxy votes.

The much publicised elections took-off without the usual euphoria which characterised its last congress on December 22, 2007.

It becomes the first political party to elect a flag bearer for Election 2012 through a novelty election throughout the 228 polling stations in the country.

A tour of some polling stations in Accra by Ghana News Agency observed peace and tranquility at the polling stations with Police personnel on virtual holiday, watching the delegates as they filed in and go through the process.

This is in sharp contrast to what GNA observed during the last National Delegates Congress where supporters, mounted loud speakers outside the vicinity of the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, venue for the Congress, blaring music in honour of their aspirants in an attempt to woo undecided delegates.

The historic election also denied the five aspirants the last minute opportunity to address the delegates on Election Day as had been the norm during previous congresses.

The aspirants, who had toured the entire country canvassing for votes are Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Mr Isaac Osei, Mr John Kwame Koduah, Mr John Kwadwo Alan Kyeremanten and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

delegate.

Mr John Owusu Afriyie, NPP General Secretary, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency assured Ghanaians of transparent and fair elections.

He debunked the notion of a rift after the elections, stressing that the party would come out more united and intact and would move ahead to regain power in Election 2012.

Some of the constituencies GNA visited include: Ayawaso West Wuorgon polling station at Dzorwulu JSS, Ayawaso Central at a house near the Alajo Football Park, Ayawaso East at Nima Cluster of Schools, Okaikoi South at the Prince of Peace Academy, the National Headquarters and Adenta at the party offices.

Others are Dome-Kwabenya at Atomic Energy School, Ledzokuku at Ford School, Trobu-Amasaman at Kingsby Hotel, and Okaikoi North at Summit Spot, Nii Boi Town.

PAF/LQ

7 Aug. 10