The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has completed more than 98 per cent of its constituency-level executive elections nationwide and is preparing for the next phase of its internal electoral process, according to the party’s Director of Elections and IT, Mahdi Jibril.
Speaking during a phone interview on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s Adekye Mu Nsem morning show, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu, Mr Jibril said the party had successfully conducted elections in most constituencies, despite isolated challenges that prevented voting from taking place as planned in some areas.
He explained that the constituency elections were expected to produce approximately 6,348 executives nationwide, with about 366,000 delegates participating in the exercise.
Mr Jibril disclosed that the Electoral Commission cancelled elections in one constituency in the Eastern Region following an issue that arose during the process. He also acknowledged difficulties in some constituencies, including parts of the Ashanti Region, where certain executive positions could not be filled as planned.
Despite these challenges, he said the party was generally satisfied with the conduct of the elections, noting that more than 98 per cent of the exercise had been completed.
NDC prepares for November regional elections
Mr Jibril said preparations for the regional elections were progressing, with the party engaging the Electoral Commission on the necessary arrangements.
He indicated that ballot-paper printing was expected to begin within a few days, while most regions had identified venues for the elections.
The party has scheduled November 13 for elections involving its youth and women’s wings, with regional executive elections expected to take place on November 14.
However, Mr Jibril said some regions could decide to hold their elections on the same day, depending on the number of delegates and logistical considerations.
He explained that combining the exercises where practicable could reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.
137 aspirants pick forms for national positions
Turning to the national executive elections, Mr Jibril disclosed that 137 aspirants had picked nomination forms by the close of nominations at 5 p.m. on October 21.
He clarified that the figure represented aspirants who had picked forms at that stage and that the final number of contestants would become clearer after the filing process.
According to him, the party has introduced an online system for payment of filing fees and submission of nomination details to make the process more convenient for aspirants.
Candidates are also required to obtain endorsements from party members across all 16 regions, with each aspirant expected to secure 10 endorsements per region, bringing the total to 160.
Mr Jibril said aspirants must also prepare supporting documents, including their curriculum vitae and photographs.
The in-person submission of nomination documents at the party’s headquarters is scheduled for November 7 to 9, with the process closing at 5 p.m. on November 9.
National executive elections scheduled for December
Mr Jibril further indicated that the party’s national executive elections were scheduled for December, with December 12 set aside for elections involving the youth and women’s wings and December 19 for the national executive elections.
The polls form part of the NDC’s internal reorganisation following the constituency-level elections, as the party works towards completing the selection of its regional and national leadership.
He expressed confidence in the preparations so far, while noting that logistical requirements and the number of delegates would influence how some regional elections were organised.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
