NPP spells out qualification for contesting parliamentary primaries

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday spelt-out the eligibility criteria for all members interested in contesting for the party's parliamentary primaries in accordance with Article 11 (2d) of its constitution.

A statement signed by the General Secretary, Mr Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said: "No member shall be entitled to apply for nomination as the party's parliamentary candidate for any constituency unless he or she: "Is a known and active member." The constitution stipulates that an eligible candidate should be a registered member and voter in the constituency, which he or she seeks to represent.

In appropriate cases the Constituency Executive Commission may dispense with this requirement if the candidate is of good character and is otherwise of good standing, has paid the prescribed fee for parliamentary candidates by the deadline. The statement said the National Executive Committee (NEC) in consultation with the Regional and Constituency Executives may dispense with the requirement.

It said for the purpose of maximising the party's parliamentary and presidential votes in Election 2012, the NEC had embarked on a wide range consultations with regional and constituency executives, where the above provision may have to be invoked.

"The party is also consulting with our sitting MPs (members of parliament) in respect of constituencies. Within this consultation, the party will take into account the contributions interested nominees have made to the party."

The NPP therefore directed all officers and members of the party at all levels to desist from making statements or conducting themselves in a manner that could prejudice the outcome of the consultations. 25 Nov. 10