Location: Accra, Ghana
The aftermath of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Super Delegates Conference, held on Saturday, August 26, has sparked discussions within the political landscape of Ghana, shedding light on the concept of an “establishment” candidate in a party that is in power.
Establishment Candidates and Continuity
Bernard Allotey Jacobs, former Central Region Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has weighed in on the dynamics at play within the NPP. He emphasized the concept of an “establishment” candidate, particularly prevalent when a political party is in power. According to Jacobs, the establishment candidate embodies the idea of continuity and a bridge between the party and government.
“In every political election, when it comes to flagbearership, especially when a party is in power, there is an ‘establishment’ candidate,” Jacobs remarked during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokorokoo show on Wednesday, August 30. He cited Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the current establishment candidate within the NPP.
Super Delegates Conference Outcome
In the recent Super Delegates Conference, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the frontrunner, securing 68.15% of the votes. He was followed by Kennedy Agyapong and Alan Kyerematen with 14.3% and 10.29% of the votes, respectively. Former Agric Minister Dr. Afriyie Akoto placed fourth.
The gap between Dr. Bawumia and his closest competitor, Kennedy Agyapong, prompted discussions about whether the electoral process needed to continue to the main delegate conference scheduled for November 4. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Region Chairman of the NPP, expressed the sentiment that due to the substantial lead of Dr. Bawumia, he should be declared the presidential candidate without further elections.
The Role of Democracy and Continuity
Chairman Wontumi, as he is commonly known, highlighted that while the vote tally may seem decisive, the democratic process and adherence to the party’s constitution necessitate a continuation of the electoral procedure. He underscored the significance of democracy and respect for the constitution in the party’s decision-making process.
“If one candidate had 629 votes, it is more than enough. Even the one we are calling second, Kennedy Agyapong, he got 132. 132 is not close to him and in the third one, he got 95. It is not close but because it is in the name of democracy and our constitution, that is why we are still going for this election. If it is not in the name of democracy, this one is a done deal,” Chairman Wontumi stated during a media interaction in Accra on Wednesday, August 30.
The ongoing discussions surrounding the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference outcomes highlight the intricate interplay of political processes, democratic principles, and the quest for leadership continuity within the party. As the NPP moves forward with its internal elections, the role of the establishment candidate and the broader implications for the party’s unity and direction will continue to be closely observed.