Rawlings shed tears at NDC Congress

Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Saturday shed tears at the Special Delegates Congress of the National Democratic Congress in Accra to elect its flagbearer for 2004 general elections. Former President Rawlings was welcomed into the packed hall of the Central Cafeteria of to University of Ghana, Legon, with thunderous cheers and a standing ovation and he responded with his usual gestures and dance.

The former President could not control his emotions and shed tears when Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, National Chairman of the party was delivering his speech.

Dr Asamoah was condemning some party members for what he called "a campaign of vilification" against him as Chairman of the Party. It was not quite clear why Former President Rawlings shed tears but he was seen wiping tears for about ten minutes with his white handkerchief.

He was there for the whole period of voting and counting quietly and busily writing most of the time. Mr Rawlings did not vote but rather made a gesturing indicating that both candidates were one.

Dr Asamoah said since he sought the chairmanship of the party, he have been subjected to vile propaganda that beats the imagination of many, stressing "Now that Dr Kwesi Botchwey is seeking the flagbearer of our Party the attacks have included him and have been intensified."

"How can we develop a fighting machine to challenge the NPP or create the confidence in our people that we are a Party in the face of these development?" he asked

Dr Asamoah also critised some party members for character assassination and urged the delegates to be guided by its quest to recapture power in 2004.

He said, "The issue is not against winning an internal struggle but about wining elections against NPP." Professor John Evans Attah Mills won the congress under the theme "Moving Together in Unity and Vision Toward Social Democracy," with 1116 votes as against 194 votes by Dr Kwesi Botchwey out of a total of 1,310 valid votes cast.

Mr Kwame Damoah-Agyeman Chief Director of Elections, Electoral Commission who announced the results declared Prof Mills winner amidst wild cheers, jubilation and dancing to Gospel songs.