By Seidu Kpebu
General elections are won or lost depending upon internal political party cohesion; some political scientists believe this assertion to be true. The internal cohesion and organizational capability of the party largely makes a statement to the masses about their readiness and ability to govern.
When a party is internally disjointed it loses focus and appeal, to many voting demographics or constituents. Prof John Curtice, a Political Scientist, in a seminar at the London School of Economics stated that a political party is as good as its internal workings which mirror its chances of winning an elections and its outer performance in government. A party so fraught with internal wrangling sees victory in sight but cannot reach it, as the case of Labour Party at the 2010 General elections in UK.
The case of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) typifies factors that are keeping the Labour Party in opposition even as the current Conservative government is unleashing excruciating and bitter economic conditions on the British people. Immediately the power blocks race to undo each other, they jeopadise the chances of the party at general elections.
Labour Party experienced this bitter truth when the Blairites ensured that the then party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who was on course to win the 2019 general elections, eventually lost. They felt that the Tony Blair block is the rightful heir to the Premiership and must control the party. They also hated the idea of Jeremy Corbyn, who is a socialist, becoming Prime Minister.
Recent internal campaigns and elections in the NDC paint similar picture as more power blocks are emerging amid the issue of trust which is taking centre stage. The acrimonious campaigns, elections and their outcomes would be a major headache for the presumptive flagbearer, H.E. John Mahama. Considering the vicious mudslinging going on, it would be a tough task for him to unite the party behind him. At least the recently elected women organizer, Hannah Bissiw and the Youth Organiser George Opare Addo, in their media interviews, have sent out clear signals that they are not in for any reconciliation.
The national executives’ elections campaigns are ongoing and gallingly they appear to be. I believe that there are power-blocks playing a Russian roulette with the NDC, with dire consequences and may make the work of John Mahama very difficult even though he has not endorsed any aspirants, he would still be the centre point of reference of accusations and counter accusation of desperate aspirants.
In all of this, it appears the NDC is becoming complacent and standoffish simply because the current government is failing in all spheres coupled with the economic hardships, desperate and disoriented public. The NDC is feeling the wind of change close to them and therefore the stakes have become so high for members to seek positions in the party at the cost of anything, just anything. On the sidelines are also the power blocks that are mostly behind facilitating and probing the campaigns of these aspirants. What is in contention is not really about positions only but about who controls the party now and after John Mahama leaves the scene.
Former President has to first confront the emerging power blocks being formed in the youth and women’s fronts. I consider these as most tricky and powder keg that could trigger an inferno if not handle properly. If the NDC is to face any internecine strife, it would emerge from the youth who have cultivated and groomed personality cults using the unsuspecting grassroots of the party.
The elders of the party are watching with bated breaths and asking whether this is the same NDC they once led, because the quest for power and wealth, especially by the youth has taken over the party. The elders would have to reconsider their decision to step back and transition the party to the youth. This instantaneous transition should be gradual and seamless, if the NDC ignores this issue, it would, in the near future, come back to bite the party.
Having worked close to John Mahama, I know he is a quintessential leader capable of uniting various power blocks and leading them into 2024 general elections as a united front. But this calls for hard work as well as coming up with acceptable compromises. However, in doing so, it would be essential to identify hacks and entrepreneurs who may be busy facilitating NPP’s breaking the 8 agenda. The next general election is not a done deal. The NDC would have to be pragmatic, bringing all forces together, including all those who have stepped back.
As a matter of urgency, the party has to address the issue of trust and loyalty going into the next elections. The NPP may be working overtime to influence desired outcomes during these internal elections and beyond fully aware that the party has been in opposition for six years as cost of living may be hitting hardest and therefore could splash money to internally displace the party.
The outcome of the national executive elections on Saturday would greatly give direction to the party, whether a direction to victory in 2024 or direction to further opposition misery.
Tbc…
Twitter: @kpebu
