The Eastern Regional Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Bismark Tawiah Boateng, has explained that by the constitution of the party, the first runner up at a national congress to elect the presidential candidate of the party does not become the automatic presidential candidate of the party in the event of death or resignation of the elected Presidential candidate.

He said the decision to either nominate a new presidential candidate or call a party congress to re-elect a presidential candidate for the party rested with the National Executive Council of the party.

Mr. Boateng was speaking at a press conference in Koforidua on Wednesday organized by the Eastern Regional Secretariat of the NDC on the death of President Mills.

He called on the members of the party to exercise the greatest restraint to maintain the unity of the country, as a sign of respect to the departed President Mills.

Reading a statement on behalf of the party, the Regional Secretary of the party, Mr. Anthony Gyampo reminded members of the party that the greatest tribute that they could pay to the memory of Prof. Mills was to hold on steadfast to all that he stood for and continue with all the good works of the late President.

He appealed to all Ghanaians to remain calm, modest and cool during the country's period of sorrow, and expressed the condolences of the regional branch of the party to the first Lady, Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills and the entire family.

Meanwhile, the party has opened a book of condolence at the regional party secretariat. Earlier in the day, the leadership of the Eastern Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party led by Alhaji Umar Bodinga, the Regional Vice-Chairman of the party visited the NDC office to consol them on the death of Prof. Mills.

Since the announcement of the death of the late President on Tuesday, many members of the party from the constituencies in the region had been grouping at the regional office of the party in mourning cloth, to express their condolences and to mourn the departed president.**