Over 13,000 delegates of the National Democratic Congress are voting in 13 constituencies in the Ashanti Region today to elect parliamentary candidates in those areas for the party in the 2020 general elections.
Five aspirants are going unopposed and per NDC rules, will be introduced to delegates as automatic candidates.
These constituencies are Adansi Asokwa, Odotobri, Nhyiaeso, Manhyia South and Manhyia North.
Primaries were scheduled by the party’s Functional Executive Committee to take place in 15 constituencies but two constituencies – Atwima Kwawoma and Suame – have been put on hold.
But primaries will take place in 10 constituencies within the region. They are Fomena, Asokwa, Tafo, Atwima Mponua, Atwima Kwanwoma, Afigya Kwabre South, Mampong, Manso Nkwanta, Suame and Kwadaso.
Disagreements
In Suame, a group has petitioned the party’s leadership the decision to allow Francis Dodovi go unopposed.
To them a decision like that would break the party’s front because it has never happened in the constituency.
Two weeks ago, a massive demonstration rocked the leadership of the party in the Ashanti region over that decision, which the demonstrators described as an imposition, which to them, is unconstitutional.
The Ashanti Regional Secretary of NDC, Kwame Zu said “democracy is about numbers and anything that will not promote cohesion in the party needs to be addressed so the party has taken notice of that and taking steps to look into the matter.”
In the case of Atwima Kwawoma, injunction has placed on the primary in the area.
“The party was served with injunction yesterday by a party member so Monday we will invite the aggrieved member and find an amicable solution to the matter,” Kwame Zu said.
By William Evans-Nkum|3news.com|Ghana