The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has banned members of its Constituency Elections Committees (CECs) from contesting the party’s upcoming constituency executive elections. This decision is a key measure to ensure transparency and fairness within the internal electoral process. The constituency executive elections are scheduled for July 2026.
This directive is clearly outlined in new guidelines issued by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong. Any CEC member who wishes to contest a position must first resign from the committee. Their replacement will be appointed by the constituency executive committee, aiming to remove potential conflicts of interest.
This move is part of the broader effort by political parties in Ghana to strengthen their internal democratic processes. It seeks to prevent perceived advantages for those overseeing the elections. Prior instances of internal disputes within parties often stem from concerns about fairness and the integrity of electoral committees.
According to the guidelines, “A member of the Constituency Elections Committee shall NOT be eligible to contest in the Constituency elections.” This strong statement emphasizes the party's commitment to clean internal polls. This transparency is vital for public trust and party unity ahead of national elections.
The NPP has also set stringent eligibility criteria for aspirants seeking various constituency executive positions. Contestants must be registered party members in the constituency where they seek office. They must also be members in good standing, having fully paid their dues. Aspirants need to reside and vote in the constituency, demonstrating active membership for at least two years. Furthermore, positions like Constituency Secretary, Research Officer, and Electoral Affairs Officer require a diploma qualification. These rules aim to ensure qualified individuals lead the party at the constituency level.
To handle disputes, the party has established Constituency Appeals Committees. These committees comprise representatives from the National Steering Committee, the Regional Steering Committee, and the Legal Directorate. They must resolve petitions within 48 hours of receipt. Unsatisfied petitioners can escalate their appeals to the Regional Steering Committee and then to the National Steering Committee, whose decision will be final. This multi-tiered appeals process aims to provide a fair and swift resolution to any electoral grievances.
Nomination forms will cost GHS 1,500 for the Constituency Chairman position. First and Second Vice-Chairperson forms will cost GHS 1,000. All other positions require a GHS 500 nomination fee. The Electoral Commission of Ghana will oversee the elections, working under the supervision of the Constituency Elections Committees. The Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574) will govern the process. At least one-third of delegates must attend to form a valid quorum for the elections. These fees and regulatory oversights underscore the structured approach to party governance and financial management.