There is growing disquiet among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) organizes its parliamentary primaries.
This is because the government appointees have been barred from challenging sitting lawmakers who represent the party in parliament ahead of the election which starts on the 1st of August and ends on December 2, 2023.
This decision is contained in a statement issued by the ruling party, as it holds its parliamentary primaries between the 1st of August and the 2nd of December 2023. The directive is equally applied to constituency, regional and national executives.
“For National official (chairman), Regional officers (chairmen) and MMDCEs the National Council of the party have said they cannot contest in areas we already have an NPP MP. In places where there are sitting MP, you cannot contest”, the statement signed by the party’s General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah read in part.
But it appears the MMDCEs are unhappy with the decision with some describing it as unfair. Talking to Accra-based Asaase Radio the Municipal Chief Executive for Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti Region who is leading the charge is calling for an open contest.
Advancing his argument, Mr Kankam said CEOs of state companies have forced candidates out of elections with their monetary prowess, stressing that “forcing on MMDCEs alone that because they are living in the constituencies, they can disturb the MP in one way or the other will not help.”
“What will MMDCE do to a sitting MP? he quizzed adding: “Most of the MMDCEs are even unpopular due to the pressure and the load on them. If they contest such primaries, they might not even win”.
Meanwhile, the party after months of deliberations will elect its presidential candidate on November 4.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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