…Set To Scrap ‘Elite’ Electoral College for Presidential Candidates
In a sweeping move aimed at broadening democratic participation within its ranks, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is poised to overhaul its constitution, with a key proposal targeting the abolition of the much-debated Special Electoral College for presidential candidates.
The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua, has urged members and executives to thoroughly review the proposed amendments ahead of a crucial Extraordinary National Delegates Conference, scheduled to electrify the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra from July 18-20, 2025.
Sources close to the nine-member constitutional amendment committee, convened by the NPP, reveal a determined push to scrap Article 13 (1)(9) of the party’s constitution, effectively dismantling the Special Electoral College.
The rationale behind this seismic shift is clear: the current system, designed to sieve presidential hopefuls down to a manageable five, has proven to be a financial drain and a hotbed of “unnecessary cost implications, be it financial or contestation in either explicit or implicit form.”
Critics argue that the Special Electoral College, by its very composition, is not truly representative, leading to protracted presidential primaries and failing in its core mission of minimizing internal strife.
Under the proposed changes, the party aims to significantly expand the pool of delegates eligible to participate in presidential primaries.
This would include a broad spectrum of party faithful, from National Council members and National Executive Committee members to Polling Station Executive Committees, Electoral Area Coordinators, and even card-bearing ministers, deputy ministers, and MMDCEs.
The proposed amendment also extends participation to founding members, External Branch delegates, and TESCON representatives.
Beyond the presidential primaries, the proposed amendments, spearheaded by former National Chairman Peter Mac Manu and Director of Research & Elections Evans Nimako, also seek to revamp Article 6, which governs Polling Station Organization.
The intent is to formalize a Polling Station Executive Committee and ensure that “All card-bearing members in good standing shall be delegates to the polling station conference.”
Further changes are on the table for Article 7 (Constituency Organization) and Article 9 (Regional Organization), with provisions to include a wider array of former and current party officials, patrons, and government appointees in their respective decision-making bodies.
These comprehensive proposals, stemming from various key figures within the NPP, underscore a significant internal push for greater inclusivity and efficiency.
The New Republic will continue to bring you extensive coverage as the party navigates these pivotal constitutional reforms.
By Prince Ahenkorah