The National Democratic Congress (NDC) will study a recent Supreme Court decision declaring the delegate system unconstitutional before taking any action. The party's Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, stated that the NDC will first read the full judgment. They will assess the issues raised by the court before deciding on their next steps.
The Supreme Court, in a 5-2 majority decision, ruled that allowing only selected delegates to vote in presidential and parliamentary primaries violates democratic principles. The court directed political parties to permit every registered, card-bearing member to participate in their internal elections. This ruling impacts the long-standing practice within Ghana's political landscape.
This development fits into Ghana's broader political story of deepening democratic participation and electoral reforms. The decision aims to make internal party elections more inclusive. However, it also introduces significant operational and financial considerations for political parties. Previous attempts by parties to widen participation have faced practical difficulties.
Mr. Gbande indicated that the NDC might seek clarification from the court if any issues require further explanation. He said, "The party is yet to read a judgment, come to a full appreciation of what the prevailing issues are." This suggests a cautious approach to implementing the court's directive.
The NDC Deputy General Secretary raised concerns about the practical and financial implications of implementing the court’s directive. He questioned who would bear the cost of organising such elections. He also asked whether the Electoral Commission would be involved in supervising the process. "Who is going to bear the cost of the election?" he asked, noting that even managing the current college system requires payments to the Electoral Commission for supervision.
Mr. Gbande also highlighted the challenges of mobilising large numbers of party members for primaries. He explained that it is not easy to mobilise the number of people required to a voting centre. The party will consider various approaches for implementation, including election organisation at different administrative levels. These levels could include voting centres, electoral areas, districts, or constituencies.
The NDC has previously explored wider participation in its internal elections but encountered challenges. Mr. Gbande noted, "As far as this matter is concerned, it is not new to the NDC as a party." He added that the party had to abandon such arrangements at some point due to difficulties. This historical context underscores the complexities involved in expanding voter participation.
The party will rely on legal advice before announcing its official position. Mr. Gbande confirmed that if any issues in the judgment require clarification, they will pursue it. The NDC aims to arrive at a "very informed position" after its lawyers explain the issues involved. This legal scrutiny is crucial for navigating the implications of the ruling.
Mr. Gbande described the reaction to the ruling as having "mixed feelings." While the decision seeks to deepen democratic participation, its implementation presents significant challenges. The financial burden and logistical hurdles are key concerns for the party. This ruling could lead to substantial changes in how political parties manage their internal democratic processes.