Kwesimintsim (W/R) Sept.7 - GNA - The popularity of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) among the electorate had slumped to a record low of 31 per cent from 41 per cent over a period of six months, says Nana Alex Asamoah, Western Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said according to the first research, on the popularity of the ruling NPP and the leading opposition party NDC, conducted by the Government's own intelligence network six months ago, the former polled 41 per cent and the later, 42 per cent. He did not elaborate. Nana Asamoah said he had documentary evidence of the results of the research that he described as "very authentic".

The NDC regional chairman was addressing a general meeting of the Effia-Kwesimintsim constituency of the party at Kwesimintsim, a suburb of Takoradi on Saturday during which a new party membership card was launched.

"The research is causing panic within the NPP, and as a result, its leadership had decided to adopt poaching, deception and vote rigging during the 2004 elections to ensure that the party remains in power", he alleged.

Nana Asamoah also alleged that foot-dragging on the part of the government to release enough funds to the Electoral Commission to procure logistics, update the voters register and issue new voters identification cards are among tactics being employed to facilitate the "rigging plan" during the elections.

He said the success of the "Kafo Didi" demonstrations, especially in Kumasi had sent "Shock waves" among the rank and file of the NPP, "precipitating their launch of weapons of mass deceit." He announced that a similar demonstration would be organised in Takoradi soon.

He accused some Journalists of helping the government to perpetrate its programmes to the detriment of the people and warned that those reporters would be held accountable for any civil strife that their actions may engender.

"Those Journalists who have been condoning deceit and wrong doing will be held responsible for any civil war in the country that their actions should cause".

Mr. Yaw Gyan, Regional Organiser of the party said the NDC lost the 2000 elections due to complacency, and advised party activists to work hard to win more members for the party to ensure victory in the 2004 elections.

He said there was the need for members of the party to sacrifice their time and resources to start an effective membership drive without relying too much on the party since it is cash strapped.