The team of observers brought into the country by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) was led by Dr. Klaus Shuler, General Manager of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the current ruling party in the Federal Republic of Germany headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The CDU of Germany is one of the largest political parties in Europe which shares most of the ideals of the NPP. Others that share ideals similar to that of the NPP are the Conservatives (United Kingdom), Republicans (United States), the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP, France), People’ Democratic Party (PDP, Nigeria), Konan Bedie’s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PCDI) and a host of others.
They observed activities in Ayawaso West Wugon, Dome Kwabenya and Adentan Constituencies, all in the Greater Accra Region.
The orderly manner in which the primaries were carried out thrilled the observers, particularly those from the African countries. John Mrema, an observer from Tanzania could not help but shower praises on the NPP executives for a good job done.
He said “It is wonderful. This does not happen very often on our continent. The NPP has proven that it really understands democracy. All political parties should begin to learn from them.” He added “the institutions are all working well. The police are here supervising everything and the delegates have comported themselves. This is one success story which should be told.”
When he took his turn, Dr. Shuler said “I am impressed about the process. It is a good day for democracy in Ghana and Africa. The very professional manner in which the exercise was carried out, attests to the NPP’s resolve to hold on to democratic principles.”
He said the NPP had become a model political party worth emulating by other political parties on the continent.
Gregor Ryssel, country representative for KAS said the manner in which the NPP trusted state institutions such as the Electoral Commission and the police was very commendable.
Dr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah, Senior Programmes Manager of KAS said the foundation was committed to partnering all stakeholders to consolidate Ghana’s democracy.
By William Yaw Owusu
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