NPP directs prospective parliamentary aspirants to cease campaign activities
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all prospective parliamentary aspirants, their agents and supporters to immediately cease all campaign activities ahead of the party’s parliamentary primaries.
The directive follows complaints that some party members seeking to contest parliamentary seats have begun campaigning in various constituencies.
The party cautioned that anyone who violates the directive risks disciplinary action, which could affect their eligibility to contest in the upcoming parliamentary primaries.
In a statement dated Sunday, October 11, and signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the activities contravened its regulations and code of conduct.
“Such conduct is contrary to the Party's regulations and Code of Conduct. It creates an uneven playing field and undermines the unity and discipline on which the Party's success depends,” the statement read in part.
The party has consequently banned activities such as mounting campaign posters and billboards, organising rallies and meetings to solicit support, and distributing items or inducements to delegates and party members.
It has also prohibited paid media and social media advertising promoting prospective parliamentary candidates.
The directive further bars party officers at the polling station, electoral area, constituency, regional and national levels, as well as TESCON, from promoting any parliamentary aspirant on social media or facilitating premature campaign activities.
The NPP said it would announce the timetable and guidelines for its parliamentary processes in due course.
“Any person who fails to comply will be dealt with in accordance with the Party's disciplinary procedures, which may affect their eligibility to contest,” the statement added.
Constituency and regional executives have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the directive within their respective jurisdictions.