PNC, NPP, NDC to contest Wulensi by-elections

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the People's National Convention (PNC) have declared their intention to contest the Wulensi by-elections on February 20, 2003.
In separate interviews with Ghana News Agency in Accra, executives of the three parties announced preparations to contest and win the by-elections which they all described a test of their strength and popularity.
The by-election has become necessary following the Supreme Court's disqualification of Mr. Samuel Nyimakan, the MP.
Alhaji Abdul Moomin, PNC National Political Committee member, said the party had selected a candidate but for strategic reasons would not name him/her until close of nominations on Thursday February 6, 2003.
The PNC and NPP had a bruising dispute over the new MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul with each claiming that he was their candidate. He said the political terrain in the north favoured the PNC as the Wulensi electorate had read meaning into "the politics of deception" by the NPP, especially at Bimbilla.
Alhaji Moomin, who is also the Chairman of Wulensi By-election Planning Committee, said a hospital project the NPP started just before the Bimbilla by-election to entice the electorate to vote for their candidate had been left idle. "Our people now understand politics and are considering issues that would enhance their living conditions.
"The PNC would expose the NPP's politics of deception, selective justice, favouritism, exploitation of the people and tribal sentiments." Mr. Kwadwo Afari, NPP Press Secretary, urged the Electoral Commission to clarify the seeming confusion surrounding the Wulensi by-elections as the parties and electorate are not sure of the election.
He said following an application for a review of the Supreme Court ruling disqualifying Mr. Nyimakan most voters were expecting a postponement pending the final determination of the application.
Mr. Afari, however, indicated that the NPP was ready for battle. "Our people are on the ground working to ensure that we win the seat as we have done in other by-elections."
He said the track record of the government over the past two years was enough reason for the people of Wulensi and its surrounding towns to vote for and NPP candidate and be part of the winning team.
The NDC has named Mr. John Sadaan Njigu, 48-year-old teacher, as its candidate. Mr. Njigu was elected out of four contestants at a special delegates' conference held on Sunday February 2, 2003 at Wulensi.
Mr. Bede Ziedeng, NDC Deputy General Secretary, told the GNA in an Interview that the party had adopted a strategic political plan to retain the seat. He said a campaign team had been set up in the constituency to put their action plan into motion for effective campaign to win the seat. "We lost Bimbila because of the political situation on the ground as the NPP used Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas' selection as the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS to their advantage.
"The ground now is level and slightly favours us, as the NPP's policies have failed coupled with the harsh fuel prices which have inflicted pain and difficulties on our people."
The EC set February 20, 2003 for the by-election at Wulensi constituency in the Northern Region, following the disqualification of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Mr. Nyimakan.
A notice of election, which was released in Accra on January 24, directed that the nomination of candidates should take place at the office of the Returning Officer at Wulensi on February 5 and 6 between 0900-1200 and 1400-1700 hours each day. The release said two registered voters must second nomination papers to be delivered to the Returning Officer.
Every nomination must be supported by 18 other registered voters from the constituency, with the consent of the candidate endorsed thereon. "Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer with the required deposit of 200,000 cedis in Bank Draft and two clear and recent post-card photographs (bust) in colour with a red background."