about intentions of people to contest primaries with sitting MPS
Koforidua, Feb. 13, GNA - The Eastern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Yaw Gyekye Amoabeng, on Wednesday expressed concern about activities of some party members who had declared their intentions to contest primaries in constituencies where there are sitting Members of Parliament.

He told the GNA in an interview at Koforidua that it had come to the notice of the Regional Secretariat that contrary to the directives that no one should campaign in constituencies where the party had sitting MPS, some people were flouting that order with impunity. He said such practice was seriously undermining the confidence of those MPs thus compromising their focus as far as their parliamentary duties were concerned.

Mr Amoabeng reminded all party members and interested persons that it was an offence to engage in active, open campaigning in constituencies with sitting MPs prior to the opening of nominations in those areas.

He cautioned that any member who would fall foul of that directive might be disqualified from participating in the primaries. Mr Amoabeng refuted allegations that the secretariat had decided to declare some sitting MPs unopposed, saying nominations would be opened for everybody to contest but added that in some instances the interest of the party would be considered.

He said the regional secretariat was working seriously to ensure that the party won additional three seats to the existing ones to make it 25 and also to increase the presidential votes to 80 percent. Mr Amoabeng said very soon series of training would be organized for polling station agents towards the general elections in December. He was optimistic that the party would retain power next year and therefore cautioned party members to work hard and avoid complacency.