Member of Parliament for Akwapim South, Osei Bonsu Amoah, has expressed his disapproval of the escalating tensions and mudslinging characterizing the campaign of some flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
As a party vetting committee member, Mr. Amoah emphasized the importance of adhering to the party’s code of conduct, warning that those flouting the rules could face sanctions.
The party has finished vetting its aspiring presidential candidates and is moving to the next process where the Electoral College narrows down the number of aspirants.
In a recent interview, Mr. Amoah voiced concerns about the increasing animosity and mudslinging among supporters of different aspirants and even direct exchanges among the aspirants themselves.
While the party’s code of conduct booklet has been praised, its enforcement remains a challenge, raising worries about the conduct of certain candidates and their followers.
This disregard for party rules during campaigning leaves the NPP vulnerable to attacks from its opponents after the internal contest.
“We expect candidates to conduct a clean campaign and refrain from presenting their messages based on identity, religion, class, or ethnicity, as clearly stated in the NPP Constitution,” Mr. Amoah emphasized.
He advised the party to publicly identify and reprimand aspirants, their spokespersons, and supporters who violate the rules to ensure adherence to the code of conduct.
Addressing the large number of aspirants vying for the flagbearer position, Mr. Amoah highlighted the party’s determination to avoid a repetition of the past, where 17 aspirants contested for the NPP flagbearer position during President J.A. Kufuor’s tenure.
To streamline the selection process, the NPP will convene a special delegate’s conference, following party guidelines outlined in the Constitution, as the number of aspirants exceeds ten.
This approach has been employed previously, notably in 2010 and 2014.
Mr. Amoah pointed out that in 2014, out of the initial four candidates selected for the flagbearer position, one eventually withdrew, resulting in a run-off with only three contestants.
Given the current situation, he noted that a similar outcome could transpire this time.
He emphasized that as the NPP navigates the selection procall aspirants, their representatives, and supporters must upholdphold the party’s values and principles to preserve unity and integrity within the party.