The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the violent incidents that disrupted parts of its constituency elections over the weekend, urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Yohunu, to conduct a thorough investigation into the disturbances. The party stressed that violence and other criminal acts have no place in its internal democratic processes and must be addressed in line with the law.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, July 13, Evans Nimako, NPP’s Director of Research and Elections, noted that while the constituency elections were largely successful, the isolated incidents in some areas required urgent police attention. He cited preliminary reports from the Electoral Commission indicating that elections had been completed in 240 constituencies, with 36 yet to vote. “Initial reports from the Electoral Commission indicate that they have been able to organise a total of 240 constituencies, which means we are left with 36 to go. I will say largely, it has been successful,” he said.
Despite the overall success, Nimako emphasized that certain developments during the exercise breached both party regulations and provisions of the Political Parties Act, making police investigations necessary.
“However, in internal elections, there have been some challenges, and we are seeking the attention of the IGP to ensure that investigations are conducted in areas where events that unfolded were not in line with the guidelines given, as well as being in compliance with the Political Parties Act,” he stated.
The elections were overshadowed by reports of violence and legal disputes in a number of constituencies. One of the most notable incidents occurred in Bantama, where police declared the voting centre a crime scene after some individuals allegedly stormed the venue and destroyed ballot papers, forcing the suspension of the election.
Nimako strongly condemned the use of violence to settle internal disagreements, stressing that party members must resort to lawful means in addressing disputes. “You cannot, in a situation where party people disagree, attack them with guns and that stuff. That is the reason why I am calling on the IGP,” he said.
He noted that the NPP had consistently worked with the Ghana Police Service during its internal elections and expressed confidence that the security agency would carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incidents.
Source: Isaac Appiah Kubi
