NDC NEC proposes special delegates’ congress to endorse Mahama as flag bearer (Eds: Adds details)

Category: Politics Created on Thursday, 26 July 2012 16:42 Published Date Written by GNA Hits: 430

Accra, July 26, GNA – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has proposed a special delegates’ congress not later than September 1 to endorse President John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the party, as the flag bearer to contest the December 2012 presidential election.

   This is in accordance with due process required under the party’s constitution, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, general secretary, announced at the end of an emergency NEC meeting in Accra on Thursday.

   He said this had become necessary following the sudden demise last Tuesday of President John Evans Atta Mills, who was elected flag bearer and leader of the party in July 2011.

   Mr Asiedu Nketiah said the challenge would be to get more than 50 per cent of the votes of the delegates for the endorsement.

     He said the decision of NEC was taken in accordance with Article50 of the NDC constitution which vests such powers in the NEC.

     The motion, he said, was moved on behalf of the Parliamentary caucus by Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communications and seconded Mr Danny Annan, Vice Chairperson of the NDC and Mr Kwasi Aboagye.

   On the issue of the vacant position of vice president, he said the 1992 Constitution vested the power in the president to nominate a vice president subject to the approval of parliament.

     However, the running mate is chosen by the flag bearer in consultation with the party.

     Conspicuously missing was former president Jerry John Rawlings, founder of the NDC.

   On this, Mr Asiedu Nketiah said per the party’s structures and rules, invitations were sent to all who mattered.

   Meanwhile, the NEC will on Friday call on Mrs Naadu Mills, to commiserate with her on the loss of her President Mills.

   Those who attended the meeting included NDC chairman Dr Kwabena Adjei, regional chairmen, ministers of state and national executive members.

     President Mills died last Tuesday afternoon and vice president Mahama was sworn in a few hours later in parliament in a smooth transition that has been hailed across the globe.