NDC's Presidential And Parliamentary Primaries Race

COMMENTARY ON THE OPENING OF NDC'S NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY PRIMARIES

Everything points to a gruelling contest as the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) opens nominations for its presidential and parliamentary primaries tomorrow. Interested candidates have up to the 10th of next month to submit their nominations. Male aspirants for the parliamentary primaries are required to pay 10 thousand cedis whilst female and disabled candidates pay half the amount. For the Presidential primary, contestants will pay a filing fee of 50 thousand cedis with women and the disabled paying 25 thousand cedis each. 

It is interesting that names have started popping up for the Parliamentary slot in the constituencies. For Klottey Korle for instance, we have no less a person than the daughter of the founder of the party, Former President Rawlings Dr Ezanetor Rawlings' name being bandied about. It is yet to be known why Ezanetor has chosen to contest on the NDC ticket instead of the NDP which was founded by the mother, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. Other surprises that have emerged include Dr Kpesah White, Executive Director of the National Service Scheme who has shown interest in the Shai-Osudoku seat currently held by an NDC incumbent, David Tetteh Asummeng. Also coming up is the name of Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Deputy Minister of Communications who has targeted the Ablekuma North seat. Kobby Acheampong, former Deputy Interior Minister, now in charge of the National Youth Employment Programme, is also said to be eyeing the Cape Coast North. Ras Mubarak, Coordinator of the National Youth Authority who in the 2012 parliamentary election was beaten by Justice Joe Appiah for the Ablekuma North seat has now moved to try his luck in Kumbungu in the Northern Region. Also mentioned is Alfred Okoe Vanderpuiye the enigmatic Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly who is believed to be lacing his boots to contest in Ablekuma South. Edward Bawa and Samuel Fletcher, Communications Specialist for the Ministry  of Energy and VRA in that order have also lined up to contest in Bongo and Agona West. We can also cite Peter Otokunor, Deputy National Coordinator, National Youth Authority who is eyeing Ablekuma Central and DR Clement Apaak who is set to contest in Builsa South. 

Whatever it is, there is no doubt these are politicians who, should they win their primaries, are likely to make parliament click. This is not to say, they are likely to win the slot on a silver platter. Far from it. They should expect fierce battle from the incumbent who are likely not to give up their seats easily. With the party's decision to allow every card bearing member the opportunity to vote in the primaries, the likelihood of buying votes which has been the bane of most party primaries will not be there. It is good we're hearing of projects being initiated by incumbent MPs in their constituencies. Some who hitherto have not been going back home are now doing so due to stiff opposition that now stirs them in the face. It is unfortunate no contestant has emerged to face President John Mahama for the Presidential primary yet. Pundits believe it will foolhardy to contest him given the experience of Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings in attempting to vie against late President Atta Mills who was then the sitting President. Looking at the way things are going, the 2016 elections promises to be full of surprises. The twist and turns will be many and a lot of casualties will emerge. The race is not always for the swiftest.

BY: JUSTICE MINGLE, A JOURNALIST