The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed optimism that its May 13 presidential and parliamentary primaries would be held despite a court injunction.
The party in a statement signed by General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey assured party members that the polls would come off as planned.
The Electoral Commission (EC) says it would not be able to supervise the primaries following the court injunction filed by one of the aspirants, Dr. Kwabena Duffour.
Dr. Duffuor wants the court to prevent the NDC and the Electoral Commission from holding the primaries pending the production of a complete photo album register.
He also wants the party to deliver the complete register to him at least five weeks ahead of the election.
According to him, data from only 220 out of the 275 constituencies have been verified. An exceptional list of 74,799 he adds has been created which cannot also be verified because of scanty information.
“For no credible reason, 3,910 eligible voters at the 220 constituencies have been disenfranchised,” Dr. Duffuor’s writ read in parts.
He also claimed that the photo album put out by the electoral directorate of the NDC with the knowledge, consent, and tacit approval of the general secretary of the party would compromise the integrity of the election to his detriment.
“The Plaintiff maintains that the reluctance to extend the time for the internal elections and provide a complete and credible photo album register ahead of time to the presidential aspirants for verification smacks of a plan to create an undue advantage for manipulation of the presidential primaries”, the motion added.
The EC Chairperson in a communique to the party said “in order that we are not cited for contempt, the Commission has taken the decision not to supervise the conduct of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections until after the determination of the case by the court.”
But the party has said “The party is taking all legitimate and legal steps to pave the way for the presidential and parliamentary primaries on Saturday, May 13. The party is therefore confident that this temporary challenge will be quickly overcome to pave way for the holding of the primaries on schedule”, portions of the NDC’s statement read.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
