DPP urges EC to re-consider presidential candidate

Accra, Nov. 2, GNA - The Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regional Executives of the Democratic People's Party (DPP) on Tuesday appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to reconsider and accept the nomination papers of its presidential nominee, Mr Thomas N. Ward-Brew.

"In the interest of justice and fair play, we urge the Commissioner, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, to extend the same concession it gave to Dr Edward Mahama, the Grand Coalition Candidate, to the DPP," the Regional Executives stated in a petition to the EC.

Nana Antwi Boasiako, the Party's Parliamentary Candidate for Sunyani East Constituency, singed the petition a copy of which was made available to the GNA.

"By giving Dr Mahama concession of time to complete the processing of his nomination papers, that same privilege should apply to cover all other candidates."

The Regional Executives explained that Mr Ward-Brew's failure to meet the 1700 hours deadline required by the Commission for submission of nomination papers was due to the stringent requirements of the EC. The requirements included particulars of two registered voters resident in each of the 138 districts, a statutory declaration and an assets declaration.

The Regional Executives noted that the DPP candidate encountered an administrative hiccup collecting valid documents from the Sunyani branch of the Internal Revenue Service.

At the close of nomination on October 21, Dr Afari-Gyan, Chairman of the EC, who is the Returning Officer for the Presidential Elections, granted Dr Mahama, presidential nominee of the Grand Coalition the concession to complete the process by 1700 hours on Monday October 25. The Grand Coalition is made up of the People's National Convention (PNC), Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere (EGLE) and the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP)

Dr Mahama, of the PNC, who is the presidential candidate of the Coalition, was asked to provide details on particulars of some voters and assets declaration.

Mr Ward-Brew, an aspiring presidential candidate of DPP, was not allowed to file his nomination papers because he got to the EC office 45 minutes after the close of nomination.

Four candidates are vying for the Presidency. They are Dr Mahama; Incumbent President John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party; Professor John Evans Atta Mills of the main opposition Party, National Democratic Congress and Mr George Aguddey of the Convention People's Party.