Takoradi, June 7, GNA - The vetting of sitting and aspiring parliamentary candidates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is not meant to deprive the applicants of their goals but to fulfil the conditions in the Party's Constitution, the Party's National Organiser, Lord Commey, has said.

He explained that the vetting process was to ensure that aspirants had the requisite qualification. It was also to ascertain the membership, character and the willingness to work for the Party, he said.

Mr Commey, who was speaking at the opening of the Western Regional vetting of sitting and aspiring Members of Parliament of the Party, said it was against the NPP Constitution for any candidate to be recognised without being vetted.

It was also unacceptable for candidates to launch their campaigns before seeking approval from the National Executive of the Party, he said.

Fourteen candidates have been lined up for vetting in the Western Region by a combined team of Regional and National Executives. Mr Commey said the vetting had become necessary due to previous experiences where candidates after being approved, resigned their position or refused to contest the seat.

He said the NPP was drafting a strategic plan to enable it to win the December elections and, therefore, called on all supporters to work hard and ensure victory for the Party.

Mr Peter Mac-Manu, Regional Chairman, said the Party had targeted to win all the 20 parliamentary seats in the Region. 07 June 04