As some incumbent members of parliament (MPs) appear jittery through primaries, their supporters are engaged in alleged criminal and dirty tricks to deter their opponents within the same political party.

While political analysts see the primaries as a sign of deepening democracy within the various political parties, power-drunk individuals abhor the practice and will move heavens to discourage any potential contests.

Information gathered by newsmen revealed has revealed that thugs allegedly employed by a close confidant of the calm and New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Tema East Constituency and Minister fo State in charge of Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI), Mr Ishmael Ashitey, allegedly attacked the campaign manager of an aspiring MP for the constituency.

Mr Anthony Ansah is the campaign manger for 33-year-old Ramseywer Agyeman-Prempeh who was stabbed twice in the abdomen and the palm at Tema Newtown on May 8, 2004 by the hired Assailants, ostensibly to deter him from supporting the Parliamentary aspirant.

An amount of ?500,000 was also taken away from him. This paper has learnt from reliable sources that during the incident the man who did the stubbing telephoned ?Galas? the Campaign Manager of Mr Ashitey, and informed him of what transpired. Medical reports available to newsmen indicate that the victim had superficial laceration at the left upper abdominal wall and the left palm.

There are indications that the authorities in Tema Newtown and the Constituency are trying to cover up a purely criminal offence and settle it out of police investigations because it is supposed to be a party affair. The Daily Dispatch?s independent checks have accused the Tema Municipal Chief Executive (TMCE), Mr Ashong Narh, of making moves to halt police investigations and settle the case between the two parties.

The Municipal Chief Executive however debunked the allegation in a telephone interview and stated that the matter was between two parties who were struggling for management of a toilet facility at Tema Newtown.

He said since the facility and the Tema East Constituency, are under his jurisdiction, he called for further investigations to ascertain the full facts of the matter. ?There were two factions involved in a scuffled over a toilet and it has come to my notice. I am in charge of the area and I am still investigating and when I finish, I will inform you,? he concluded.