Accra, Aug. 8, GNA - The main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday set the political character for Election 2012, through a historic election of its Flag bearer with an emphatic, peaceful and well-coordinated Special National Delegates Election. For the time in the political history of Ghana, a party has successfully elected its Presidential candidate through a nation-wide primaries format involving all but two constituencies of the country.

"At long last the battle is over, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emerged victorious with about 78.89 per cent of the valid votes cast.it's a victory of NPP, and the democratic journey of regaining power," Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Minority Leader stated during the official declaration of the results in Accra.

He urged NPP supporters to put their acts together for a new beginning; "we need to re-group resources both human and material, financial and logistics to fight the biggest battle ahead". Mr. Mensah-Bonsu called for forgiveness of any infractions, insults and attacks during the campaign and considered it as brotherly fight to ensure that the party was united for Election 2012.

Mr. John Owusu Afriyie, NPP General Secretary said the party was at the threshold of history making through setting new processes for engaging and broadening the base of participatory democracy at the grassroots level.

He said the party through its maiden nation-wide election had set a new pace for Ghanaian and African democracy; "this is a credential and achievement that we must all be proud off and contribute towards eventual victory".

Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, NPP National Chairman, commended the rank and file for their solidarity and tenacity which had seen the NPP through the dangerous terrain of electing a Flag bearer without any violence before, during and after the elections. He commended the Electoral Commission, Ghana Police Service, Media, National, Regional, Constituency and National Election Committee for their contribution. 8 Aug. 10