The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all prospective parliamentary aspirants, their agents and supporters to stop campaigning immediately. The party warned that anyone who breaks the directive could face disciplinary action and risk losing the chance to contest in the party’s primaries.
In a statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said it had received reports that some members hoping to contest parliamentary seats had already started campaigning in their constituencies before the official process had been announced.
The party said these activities went against its rules and Code of Conduct. It added that early campaigning could give some aspirants an unfair advantage over others and create divisions within the party.
The directive applies to all activities aimed at promoting prospective parliamentary candidates before the party officially announces the timetable and guidelines for the selection process. The NPP has therefore instructed all aspirants, their agents and supporters to “cease all forms of campaign activities”.
The party has banned several campaign activities, including putting up posters, billboards, banners and other materials carrying aspirants’ names or images. It has also prohibited organising rallies, visiting constituencies to campaign and holding meetings with polling station executives to seek their support.
In addition, aspirants and their supporters are not allowed to distribute items or offer other incentives to delegates and party members in an attempt to win their support. Paid media campaigns and social media advertisements promoting individual aspirants are also prohibited.
The NPP explained that the directive is meant to give all prospective candidates a fair chance when the official selection process begins. The party also stressed the need to maintain peace, unity and discipline among its members as it prepares for the parliamentary primaries.
