THE STATESMAN

"Big reforms in NPP"', is the banner headline story on the front page of the Statesman. The paper says in readiness for 'Election 2000', the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made radical constitutional changes which will considerably reform the party's mode of operations. The Statesman says a far-reaching recommendation suggests that the party must have a "leader", adding that this is a major shift friom the position adopted by the party to contest the last two general elections. This time, the Presidential candidate will also be party boss. The Statesman says ending two sessions of marathon meetings on the issue last Thursday, the National Executive Committee of the NPP decided to move away from the previous constitutional provision where a Presidential candidate was elected only for the purpose of contesting elections. Under the current system, the National Chairman is considered the leader of the party. The paper says sources close to the meeting indicate that the decision was based on the need for a strong and effective leadership for the party which could be best provided by the personality with the "most critical and direct interest" in an election. In line with the decision therefore, a Member of Parliament elected as Presidential candidate will automatically assume the position of Minority Leader in Parliament if the party fails to win the presidency. GRI

In another front page story, the Statesman says the recent declaration of intent by the PCP, PNC and NCP to ensure the emergence of a true and united Nkrumaist political party, is bound to send NDC strategists scurrying behind the drawing board to attempt a counter to the declaration. The Statesman says the (P)NDC which overthew the properly constituted and constitutionally elected Nkrumaist PNP Government in 1981, constantly in a game of political chicanery, refers to itself as Nkrumaist in orientation and has succeeded in attracting to itself, the opportunists and apologists of the tradition. GRI