General News of Saturday, 24 August 2019

Source: 3news.com

524 parliamentary aspirants jostle for 157 spots in NDC primaries

Several party members and executives will be electing various parliamentary aspirants Several party members and executives will be electing various parliamentary aspirants

Delegates of the National Democratic Congress across the country are voting today to elect candidates to stand on the ticket of the party in the various constituencies in the 2020 parliamentary election.

A total of 524 persons are contesting today’s primaries to become parliamentary candidates in just 157 constituencies where the elections are taking place.

Primaries in Asawase, Ellembelle, Fanteakwa North, Mpohor and Yilo Krobo constituencies have been suspended for varied reasons.

In some 39 constituencies, there will be no elections as the candidates are unopposed.

Elections will be held in 31 out of the 34 constituencies in the Greater Accra region.

Out of the 33 constituencies in the Eastern Region, elections would be held in 10 constituencies today while an acclamation will be done for one.

In the Ashanti region, out of the 47 constituencies, only 7 are voting today.

Out of the 7, three have multiple candidates: Ejura Sekyeredumase, Sekyere Afram Plains and Offinso North. The other four have unopposed candidates who are looking forward to a popular acclamation. They are New Edubiase constituency, Ahafo Ano South East Constituency, Ahafo Ano North and Offinso South Constituencies respectively.

The 40 remaining constituencies according to the leadership of the party, are yet to undergo vetting.

In the Ahafo Region, two MPs are going unopposed. They are Collins Dauda, Asutifi South constituency and Eric Opoku, Asunafo South constituency.

The Ahafo Regional Secretary of NDC, Mr. Assanaba Imoro told 3news.com that seven persons picked up their nominations forms in five out of the six constituencies in the region since Tano South has been put on hold.

Actor John Dumelo who is contesting for the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency is hopeful his appeal to the youth will give him advantage over the other contestants.

Former Deputy Information Minister, Felix Ofosu Kwakye who is also contesting for the Asebu-Kwamankese constituency is optimistic of victory.

Kofi Adams, a former NDC organizer, is contesting for the Buem constituency while former Tourism Minister, Dzifa Gomashie is seeking to win the Ketu South constituency in the Volta region.

Meanwhile, leadership of the NDC has assured today’s elections will be peaceful and devoid of any altercation.