NPP sitting MPs will go through primaries

All sitting MP?s of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) who have thoughts that they will have a smooth ride come December should have a serious rethinking.

Contrary to indications from some regions that they are considering allowing all sitting MPs to contest, National Chairman Peter Mac Manu has told the dailyEXPRESS that the party?s hierarchy will go ahead with the due process in order to ensure that the laid down rules and regulations are respected.

He however mentioned that constituency executives and caucuses will have an input into whether or not their sitting MP should be subjected to parliamentary primaries or go unopposed.

Already, the seats of disappointed presidential aspirants Papa Owusu Ankomah and Nkrabeah Effah Dartey are among the seats other party members have targeted.

Mr. Mac Manu disclosed that the selection of party members interested in standing as MPs has already been completed in ninety-four constituencies where they do not have sitting MP?s. He said what is important for the party at the end of all their primaries is for them to come out as a united party and poised to retain power in December.

On a suggestion that a special board be established to oversee the disbursement of funds meant for political parties by the Electoral Commission, Mr. Mac Manu said it is important for all stakeholders involved to understand that the EC is an independent body and it is therefore unacceptable for any individual or group to suggest that a board be set up to supervise their activities.

He said the decision is not only costly but will end up compromising the EC?s independence. He however suggested that instead of a board, parliament should have an oversight responsibility over such an activity because it is in the proposed public funding of political parties bill, 2007.