Some New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in Okaikwei South have vowed to block the conduct of the constituency executive elections if names of qualified delegates are not included in the register.
They claim over 413 names have been deleted from the register, adding that people from other constituencies have rather been included in the album to partake in the exercise.
They also alleged that some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been added to the register to increase the fortunes of some aspirants.
Speaking to JoyNews’ correspondent, Kwesi Parker-Wilson, on Thursday, they swore to fight for their rights until the right thing is done.
According to them, the old album which includes their names should be used to conduct the elections.
The victims include the Constituency’s Deputy Women’s Organiser and other leading members who say they have worked for more than two decades for the Party.
“When the album was brought, I went to the exhibition and did not see my name in it. I am fighting for my right and will not allow for the elections to be held until they bring the old album. The matter is in court; so, if they will not obey the court orders but go ahead to hold the elections, they must as well kill all of us.
“I vote at the Prince of Peace polling station. They earlier told us they would maintain all delegates and where necessary, add new ones – we agreed. Our request for the album was declined on several occasions. It was only yesterday that our leaders got it from the Region, only for us to realise that 413 delegates’ names have been taken out,” some of the delegates told JoyNews.
Meanwhile, the First Vice-Chairperson of the Constituency, William Songoh, agrees the elections must be put on hold until the issues are duly resolved.
“I believe in peace and I believe that in breaking the eight, I need everybody. As the First Vice-Chairperson of the constituency, my number one priority is to make sure that there is peace and that everybody will be happy. I will not be a victim to the situation where it is not going to appease the constituents; I will make sure that I do the right thing.
“The right thing is that their demand is correct. I’ve seen the album myself and I realised that some of them, their names, truly, have been taken out. So, I believe their demand is right. For me, I believe the elections shouldn’t happen because if it happens, then as First Vice-Chairman, I am not being truthful to my party,” he noted.
Four persons arrested
Already, about four delegates have been arrested after the delegates massed up on the road leading to the venue of the congress.
They blocked the vehicle of the Electoral Commission officials, who were accompanied by Police personnel.
According to JoyNews’ Kwesi Parker-Wilson, the delegates were resisting attempts by the Police to shove them away and pave way for the vehicle.
This led to fisticuffs between some of the Police officials and the delegates.
The delegates started pelting stones at the Police, causing some of the personnel to retreat.
The vehicle conveying the EC officials finally gained access to the Prince of Peace School located at Bubuashie.
