NPP Bars Congregation at Polling Centres Ahead of Presidential Primary

The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, has issued a firm warning that no group will be allowed to congregate at polling centres on voting day during the party’s presidential primary.

According to him, the directive forms part of strict measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and orderly election. He explained that all guidelines governing the conduct of the primary have been duly communicated to the presidential aspirants and their representatives.

Mr. Osei Owusu further disclosed that all logistical and security arrangements have been finalised in collaboration with the Electoral Commission (EC) to guarantee a smooth voting process.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, January 27, he stated that delegates would be required to cast their ballots and leave the polling premises immediately.

“In our party’s rules, one thing we have insisted on is that on that day, we will not expect any group to congregate anywhere. You walk in, vote and leave. We don’t want to see in the constituencies where people gather at one place under a shed or a canopy,” he said.

He also cautioned against the bussing of delegates, noting that the practice is explicitly prohibited under the party’s regulations.

“We discourage that; it’s part of the rules we shared. We don’t want anybody to provide any such,” he warned.

The New Patriotic Party is scheduled to elect its presidential candidate on January 31 as part of efforts to reorganise and reposition the party following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

The contest for the party’s flagbearer position features Kennedy Agyapong, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ing. Kwabena Agyepong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Dr. Bryan Acheampong.