The chances of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2004 elections are becoming slimmer by the day. According to the Insight newspaper, the People’s National Convention (PNC), which partnered the NPP in the second round of Presidential elections of year 2000 has moved uncomfortably close to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Dr Edward Mahama, Leader of the PNC, is reported to have met Dr Obed Asamoah, Chairman of the NDC on at least two occasions.

The meeting discussed areas of possible co-operation between the two parties in the forthcoming electoral confrontation with the NPP in 2004 elections. The meeting, which took place in a strict confidentiality also, looked into the difficulty in the Nkrumahists unity efforts.

So far, no firm proposals have been placed before the formal leadership structures of the PNC on the possible collaboration with the NDC, although informed sources say that Dr Asamoah handed over a document, which outlines the concerns of his own party.

It is expected that Dr Mahama will respond to what amounts to proposals from Dr Asamoah shortly. The PNC broke away from Nkrumahists unity talks accusing the Convention People’s Party (CPP) of collaborating with the NPP in the Bimbilla Parliamentary by-elections and in the implementation of the neo-liberal policies by government.

The first sign of possible collaboration between the PNC and the NDC came when Dr Edward Mahama said they were ready to work with parties, which affirm social democracy in their ideology. At the time, the NDC, which was for 20 years, a star pupil of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) had just adopted social democracy as its ideology.

Since the 2000 elections, the PNC and its leader, have been very critical of policies of the NPP. The PNC opposed the acquisition of the HIPC status by the government and has expressed concern about the unbridled privatisation of state enterprises, alleged nepotism at the center of government and perceived corruption in the public sector.

Ironically the PNC’s Parliamentary caucus has thrown its weight behind the NPP in Parliament and has refused to follow the party line in debates. There are indications that some leaders of the PNC will object to any collaboration with the NDC. A large chunk of the leadership will however rally around Dr Mahama in his effort to teach the NPP some lessons in modesty.