The Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has expressed concern over the slow pace of voting at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Executive Elections, urging delegates yet to vote to proceed to their respective polling centres before the close of polls.
The elections, which are being held at the Kumasi Jubilee Park, have attracted 34 candidates contesting 11 regional executive positions, with approximately 1,022 delegates expected to participate in the exercise.
Speaking at the voting grounds, Mrs Appiagyei commended the organisers, delegates and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and orderly process. She, however, expressed worry about the relatively low turnout several hours after the polls opened.
According to her, voting was scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but by 10:30 a.m., less than half of the expected delegates had cast their ballots.
“The process has been very peaceful and well organised, but currently, looking at the time, the timeframe is 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and by 10:30 a.m., not even half of the voters have cast their ballots,” she said.
She therefore appealed to delegates who had not yet voted to make their way to the polling centre to avoid a situation where some would be unable to exercise their franchise before the polls closed.
“People must rush here and cast their votes. That is my concern,” Mrs Appiagyei stressed.
Peaceful Exercise
The Asokwa MP also praised the security arrangements at the election venue, describing the presence of security personnel as reassuring.
She contrasted the calm atmosphere at the current election with previous party activities, particularly recalling incidents of disorder at similar events.
“The security is so tight; everywhere you turn, you see security personnel,” she observed.
She added: “If you remember last year, we had a lot of chaos, but today, it is very calm. That is the kind of progress we expected from such proceedings.”
Mrs Appiagyei said the peaceful conduct of the elections demonstrated the importance of adequate security and effective organisation in ensuring that party delegates could exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or disruption.
Call for Broad-Based Leadership
Beyond the conduct of the elections, the Deputy Minority Leader said the outcome should help position the NPP for a stronger and more revitalised grassroots structure.
She said the party needed regional executives who would be accessible, approachable and capable of bringing different groups within the party together.
“I want to see a well-revitalised base,” she said.
According to her, the party’s quest for unity should be reflected in the composition of its leadership, stressing the need for a balance that would give various groups and interests a sense of belonging.
“We need a good blend of executives. When everybody is calling for unity, we shouldn’t isolate groups,” she stated.
She further called for the election of leaders who could effectively engage with party supporters at the grassroots and mobilise them for future electoral contests.
“We need people who are affable, people-friendly, and who relate well with others to mobilise every base,” she added.
11 Positions Up for Grabs
The Ashanti Regional Executive Elections are expected to determine the party’s leadership team at the regional level, with 34 candidates competing for 11 positions.
The elections are being closely watched within the party, given the strategic importance of the Ashanti Region to the NPP’s political fortunes.
For Mrs Appiagyei, however, the immediate priority was for all eligible delegates to participate in the exercise and ensure that the leadership they choose reflects the need for unity, grassroots mobilisation and a stronger organisational base.
She consequently encouraged delegates who had not yet voted to take advantage of the remaining voting period and cast their ballots before the close of polls.
The peaceful nature of the exercise, she indicated, provided an opportunity for the party to demonstrate its commitment to internal democracy while preparing itself for future national political contests.
