NDC disqualifies 26 aspirants in internal election vetting

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has disqualified 26 candidates following a comprehensive vetting exercise conducted ahead of its upcoming internal regional elections. Acting Director of Elections, Mahdi Jibril, announced that despite these disqualifications, the party recorded a high approval rate of approximately 95 to 96 percent across all 16 regions. The vetting process is a key component of the party's restructuring efforts as it prepares for the regional executive polls scheduled to take place on October 24 and 25.

Aspiring candidates who were unsuccessful during the vetting stage have been provided an opportunity to seek redress. An appeals committee has been established to review grievances, with sessions scheduled to begin on Monday, October 19. Jibril emphasized that the appeals process is intended to ensure fairness and maintain party unity during the internal transition. In the Ashanti Region, the vetting committee cleared 63 out of 65 aspirants, with the two disqualifications reportedly based on technical grounds according to the committee chairman, Yaw Boateng Gyan.

Logistical preparations for the elections are proceeding as planned, with the party set to begin the distribution of ballot papers by Wednesday. Beyond the technical requirements, the NDC leadership has enforced specific campaigning rules, including a ban on the use of billboards. This directive is designed to encourage candidates to prioritize direct engagement with delegates and grassroots members, moving away from high-cost advertising toward personal interaction and policy-driven messaging.

The successful completion of the vetting exercise marks a critical step in the NDC's reorganization strategy. Party officials have urged all cleared candidates to maintain a high level of decorum and focus their campaigns on unifying themes. As the election dates approach, the party aims to consolidate its internal structures to ensure it is well-positioned for future political activities and national contests.