Mills, Konadu to face Vetting Committee

The National Executive Committee of the ruling National Democratic Congress, is expected to start vetting candidates ahead of the July 8-10 Presidential primaries in Sunyani.

The contest is now set between the incumbent President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the Former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, following the failure of Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah to submit his nomination forms before the deadline.

Although the two have successfully submitted their nomination forms with the necessary details, they will need to cross the last hurdle of meeting the party’s Vetting Committee, to cement their eligibility for the contest or otherwise.

To ensure transparent and fair vetting, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in consultation with the Council of Elders shall constitute a five (5) member Vetting Committee for the purpose of screening prospective candidates, which process must be concluded at least fourteen (14) clear days before the National Congress.

NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah told Citi News the Party has slated the vetting for June 7 and 8, which will be chaired by Alhaji Issifu Ali, a former co-Chairman of the party.

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah reiterated the party’s commitment to ensure a free, fair and transparent election, and thus urged all true democrats of the NDC to accept the principle of voting and as well the outcome of a free and fair voting.

The party has over 3,000 delegates, including foreign branch representatives, who are expected to cast their ballots during the three-day special congress.

They comprise the Founder of the Party, Leader of the Party and President of the Republic, the Vice President, National Executive Committee Members, Ministers of State, selected regional executives, Committee Members, Parliamentarians and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who are members of the party.

For the first time in the party’s internal electoral process, the Council of Elders and representatives of the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) who form a vital component of the party’s constitution have also been included in the number of delegates expected at the Congress.

Their inclusion was approved by the National Congress in Tamale early this year.

Source: Citifmonline.com/Ghana