Source: Ama Cromwell
A former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Aspirant has described as undemocratic the decision of the National Council to form an electoral college to break the tie between the presidential aspirants that placed fifth in the super delegates conference.
Dr Richard Amoako Baah, in an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, said the decision will result in a legal battle since it is unfair.
According to him, the run-off election must involve all the 961 individuals who participated in Saturday’s super delegates conference.
This, Dr Baah argued is the surest way to bring about fairness and promote democracy in the New Patriotic Party.
“Whatever you decide, someone is going to court because it is not fair, it is not democratic for the larger body to vote for the others and when it comes to the two of them it is just a small body.
Dr Amoako
“How do you know that one of the candidates doesn’t have more support in that small body and it is easier to bribe through that. There are so many issues with it,” he told host Blessed Sogah on Wednesday.
Francis Addai Nimoh and Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko both tied for fifth place during the election on Saturday which was expected to produce only five aspirants.
In a press release, the NPP stated that an electoral college would break the tie in accordance with Article 10 (3) (1) and 18 of the party’s constitution after a meeting held on Wednesday.
However, Dr Baah believes the decision is unlawful, adding that it would only result in “a great mess”.
He therefore suggested that the party’s national council engage with the two candidate and reach an amicable resolution where one would resign or they let all 961 super delegates vote again this weekend.
“You cannot have this great number vote for the others and when it comes to the two of them only one segment of that great number is voting. That means you assume that the propensity of one group is the same as the propensity of that great number.
“How do you know that? And how are you going to determine that? Are you going to determine by height?” he quizzed.
He further added, “I am sure there will be some sort of monetary inducement for one to step aside. If that happens, it is still not a good thing but at least it will bring peace, the problem is solved. But if it so happens that nobody wants to step aside then we have a problem on our hands.”
The Deputy General Secretary of the Party, Haruna Mohammed was however, of a different view.
Responding on the same show, Mr Mohammed emphasised that no portion of the party’s constitution has been flouted.
“I vehemently disagree with the point of legality. The National Council has not broken any law in our party’s constitution. The Council has the power so where lies the illegality?” he asked.
