The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has disqualified 26 aspirants after completing a vetting exercise that covered 95 to 96 per cent of candidates across all 16 regions. The disqualified aspirants are expected to appeal the decisions on Monday, October 19.
Mahdi Jibrill, Acting Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, confirmed that the vetting process had been largely peaceful, with nine regions completing the exercise without any complaints. He said the appeal process would give the candidates an opportunity to challenge the disqualifications and seek redress.
Speaking with Charles Owusu Kumi on Channel One Newsroom, Jibrill noted, “The 26 who have been disqualified already are waiting for the committee to sit on the appeals on Monday.” He added that the party believed the appeal process would help address grievances and maintain unity ahead of the internal elections.
Jibrill also highlighted that the NDC was progressing with preparations for the internal polls, including the printing of ballot papers for constituency-level elections. The papers are expected to reach the districts by Wednesday, ahead of the constituency elections scheduled for October 24 and 25. The party remains on track to complete its internal election calendar by December.
On campaigning, Jibrill explained that the NDC’s directive against the use of billboards was intended to encourage aspirants to focus resources on reaching delegates rather than advertising to the general public. The internal elections are delegate‑based, making direct engagement with delegates a more practical approach to campaigning. He clarified that the billboard directive was a directive, not merely advice, and that aspirants were expected to comply.
The NDC is holding its internal elections as part of efforts to reorganise its structures and prepare for future political activities.
