The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will today, Saturday, May 13, 2023, elect a presidential candidate and parliamentary candidates across the country to prepare for the 2024 elections.
About 356,624 delegates are expected to decide on those who will represent the party in the 2024 elections following months of campaigns by aspirants.
Anticipation was high for the contest but former Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffur pulled out of the presidential race at the last minute.
He announced his withdrawal on Friday, May 12, leaving former President John Mahama and former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu, to battle for the flag bearer position.
Before the decision, Dr Duffuor, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, filed a suit at the High Court in Accra against the party following what he said were some discrepancies identified in the party’s voters register to be used for the exercise.
He also applied for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the party and the Electoral Commission (EC) from proceeding with the elections.
However, Dr Duffour withdrew the suit on Friday, May 12, to resolve his grievances internally.
But the issues were not addressed, leading to his decision to terminate his ambition to lead the party into the 20224 elections.
The presidential primary would take place in 275 constituencies except for Manhyia South in the Ashanti Region, where it has been suspended along with the parliamentary primary.
The parliamentary primaries will be held in 217 constituencies, with 15 put on hold, as the party works to resolve issues of dispute on various fronts.
The affected constituencies include Akwatia, Ayensuano, Afram Plains South, and Lower West Akim, all in the Eastern Region; Manhyia South, Adansi Asokwa and Mampong in the Ashanti Region; Ayawaso West Wuogon and Odododiodoo in the Greater Accra Region; and Amenfi East and Akontombra in the Western and Western North regions, respectively.
The rest are Tano North in the Ahafo Region; Gomoa Central, Assin North and Effutu in the Central Region.
In all, 55,862 aspirants will take part in the parliamentary primaries.
Meanwhile, the acting Director of Elections of the NDC, Daniel Amartey Mensah, has expressed the readiness of the party to hold the polls as they opted for a decentralised approach to save time and ensure efficiency.