What next after NPP Super Delegates Conference?
Intra-party democracy is part of the crucial foundation stones for building the country’s envious democratic process.
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If they are not solid and properly erected, the super structure cannot survive the test of time.
It is on this basis that the Daily Graphic has over the years shown keen interest in internal issues aimed at enhancing and consolidating the development of democracy in all political parties in the country.
Last Saturday, 961 delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were called upon to select five flag bearer hopefuls out of the 10 who had offered themselves up to lead the party.
The specially selected delegates went to the polls organised in 17 centres nationwide as the first step in electing the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 general election.
The second and the final choice will be done by more than 200,000 delegates on November 4, this year.
The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, emerged tops with 68.15 per cent of the votes cast, while the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, and former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, placed second and third respectively.
Former Minister of Agriculture, Dr Afriyie Akoto, emerged fourth, while a former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, and Francis Addai-Nimo tied for the fifth position, with each garnering nine votes.
The delegates will select one of the two to join the four, come September 2, 2023.
Undoubtedly, there are some lessons to be learnt from the just-ended super delegates conference based on the way the results panned out.
It was a bit surprising that Kennedy Agyapong emerged second ahead of Alan Kyerematen, especially when Mr Kyerematen had contested the flagbearer position in 2007 and 2011 and had come second in both and had gained experience and learnt the ropes.
His performance underscores the popular refrain that “elections are full of surprises”.
We are also amazed that the fortunes of Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku have dwindled so badly that he could not garner even a single vote for all his contribution to the party over the years.
The lesson here is that timing is everything in politics and it is important when one knows when to jump into the ring.
It also emerged that the influence of Kennedy Agyapong in the party is no fluke, considering his performance.
Political observers will be watching keenly how he performs on November 4.
Others have argued that the results of this super delegates election could not be described as the harbinger of the November polls.
Although the dust is yet to settle, it is welcome news that so far, none of the candidates, including those who could not be part of the five, has raised issues about the process.
Another observation is the decision by the party to leave the election process to the constitutionally mandated governance institution, the Electoral Commission, and the body clothed with the authority to protect life and property, the Ghana Police Service.
These two bodies executed their mandate without fear or favour and according to laid down procedures.
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This is a feather in their cap but more importantly, a way of helping our institutions to build their capacity to deliver.
The Daily Graphic has the strong conviction that if all Ghanaians continue to help build the capacity of these institutions and afford them the support and respect, very soon the country’s elections would be devoid of the usual suspicion, rancour and the few incidents of violence.
While the Presidential Election Committee is worthy of commendation for successfully organising the election, there were some few grievances and shortcomings that came up that should be looked into ahead of the main November election.
To properly address these, the party in its review of the processes must listen to all stakeholders, especially the candidates just as they did preceding the polls.
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This will ensure that the party remains united and battle-ready for the 2024 general election.
We urge all those with complaints to also use the laid down internal party processes to seek redress.
The Daily Graphic once again applauds the NPP and those who qualified for the next round of elections.
It is important also that those contestants who could not find favour with the delegates should not just abandon ship but continue to remain with their family and work assiduously with commitment to the collective good of the party.
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It can be daunting and depressing to lose an election, especially after traversing the length and breadth of the country, losing sleep, comfort and expending resources to convince delegates only to suffer such a disastrous defeat.
The national executives must reach out to those who lost because they are assets to the party, and their experience and resource will be needed, especially going into the 2024 general election which holds the promise of being the most competitive in recent history.