Political Analyst Calls on NDC to Boycott Ayawaso East By-Election
Dr. Daniel Appiah, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has criticized the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for re-endorsing Hon. Baba Jamal as its candidate in the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election.
Speaking on Kessben FM’s flagship morning program, Kessben Maakye, Dr. Appiah expressed disappointment over the party’s decision, suggesting that it would have been in the NDC’s interest to boycott the elections.
“Although the NDC’s constitution does not prescribe punishment for alleged vote buying, the party could have taken a stand by staying away from the elections,” he said. “In the spirit of fairness, accountability, and the ‘reset’ agenda the party promised Ghanaians, boycotting the Ayawaso East by-election would have sent a clear message that the party is committed to its principles.”
Dr. Appiah added that while the party may not have had sufficient time to carry out legal proceedings against candidates accused of vote buying, a boycott would have allowed the candidate to run as an independent. “This would not have been the first time a political party boycotted an election,” he noted.
Despite his criticism of the NDC, Dr. Appiah commended President John Dramani Mahama for recalling Hon. Baba Jamal from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.
