The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it is fully prepared for the upcoming October 30 by-election in the Tamale Central constituency, following the close of nominations for prospective parliamentary aspirants.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday August 24, the party’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko-Computer, confirmed that preparations are on track and all internal processes are being followed diligently.
“We are prepared for the 30th October by-election in Tamale Central. Indeed, today nominations have been closed for people to pick forms,” he said.
Tanko-Computer explained that the next step will be on Thursday, August 28, when the party expects aspirants who picked nomination forms to submit them officially.
“We will now wait on Thursday, 28th August, to see who among them will submit his or her form to formally give meaning to the picking of the form.”
Following submissions, the NDC will begin its vetting process on August 31 to assess the qualifications, commitment, and constitutional standing of all aspirants.
“We will then move to the vetting process, which will be on 31st August, to assess their capabilities, competencies, and qualifications — as to whether they are true-blood NDC members, in terms of our party constitution and the national constitution.”
The by-election has been triggered by a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, and political observers expect a keen contest. The NDC has expressed confidence in retaining the seat and is working to ensure a smooth internal process ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, two out of 14 individuals have withdrawn from the race citing personal reasons and the high number of entrants.
Twelve people are therefore expected to file nominations to contest the Tamale Central by-election primary on the ticket of the NDC.
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