Lessons From Just Ended NDC Parliamentary Candidates Election

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE NDC’S PARLIAMENTARY CANDIATES PRIMARIES

“How are the mighty falling in the midst of battle” is a popular bible quotation which can aptly describe the situation that befell about nine members of Parliament of the NDC in last Saturday’s primaries held in 157 constituencies in sixteen regions. The likes of Ras Mubarak, MP for Kumbungu, Joseph Yieleh Chiereh, former Health Minister and MP for Wa West, Daniel Ashiamah MP for Buem, Matthias Ntow, Aowin in the Western Region and Nii Okai Laryea, Mp for Amasaman among others unfortunately lost seats and would eventually bid Parliament farewell in 2020.

Fortunately for the NDC majority of its sitting MPs who contested the primaries were retained by their constituents.  It will be in the interest of the party if the remaining of the 70 who will be contesting in the next round of primaries will pass the test. This is because experience counts a lot in the law-making House. It is against this background that we commend MPs like Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, John Jinapor, Alhassan Sahiyini, Isaac Adongo, Adam Mutawakilu, Sam Nartey George, Haruna Iddrisu- the minority leader among other sitting MPs who booked their tickets to contest for the party in the 2020 elections.

Another plus for the party was the retention of female MPs like Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, Helen Adwo Ntoso, Linda Akweley Ocloo, Joycelyn Tetteh and Lardi Ayamba. In all seventeen women were elected in Saturday`s primaries to contest on the ticket of party.  New female entrants like Gizella Tetteh, kid sister of Madam Hannah Tetteh, Mavis Ama Frimpong, Elikplim Akurugu and Rita Odoley Sowah former MCE for La Dadekotopon are likely to strengthen the female caucus in Parliament should they eventually emerge victorious in 2020.

Likely to beef up the Party`s bench and give the NPP a run for their money in 2020 are smooth and dynamic debaters and first timers like Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Kofi Adams, immediate past National Organizer of the party, John Dumelo and Francis Xavier Sosu.

As we congratulate the party on a highly successful primaries we urge them to deal cautiously with volatile spots like Asawase and Ellembele and endeavor to plug all loopholes recorded in Saturday`s primaries especially those that have to do with vote buying as alleged to have been recorded in Bolga Central where the Constituency Chairman was alleged to have given voters fifty Ghana cedis each and directed delegates on who to vote for.  Transparency and fairness in election is very important to ensure its credibility.

It is good some of the losing candidates have thrown in the olive branch and pledged their support to the victors.  This is indeed good sportsmanship as elections are meant to be won by just one candidate. The winners must also open up and include their contenders in their campaign team after all they have a common opponent.  It is hoped contenders in the primaries will sink their differences to avert what has become known as skirt and blouse voting.

Unity is vital if the NDC hopes to make it big in 2020.  It is good news no activity of political vigilantism was recorded anywhere which of course is a litmus test for 2020.  As the ruling NPP votes in its orphan constituencies next week, it is hoped they would follow the footsteps of the NDC and let peace prevail.  The 2020 general election will not be a child`s play but with tenacity of purpose and the desire to succeed the political parties must put Ghana first. They must subdue their parochial interests and protect the country`s democracy.

President Akufo Addo must do well to give assent to the political vigilantism law which was passed by Parliament before it went on recess. Ghana`s democracy is widely acclaimed and nothing must be done to derail its forward movement. The media as gate keepers must keep focus and ensure nothing derails Ghana’s democracy. They must remain vigilant and be umpires worth their salt. The NDC has set the pace and the NPP must follow suit. We need a united Ghana and nothing else.

BY JUSTICE MINGLE, A JOURNALIST.