Party Bans Proxy Voting, Tightens Delegate Verification and Restricts Security Presence at Polling Centres
By Daniel Nii Okine | Accra
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled a comprehensive set of regulations ahead of its upcoming Regional Elections, signaling a determined effort by the party leadership to deliver a process defined by transparency, credibility, discipline, and internal democratic integrity.
In an official communication issued from the party’s national headquarters, the Jerry John Rawlings House, and referenced NDC/HQ/25-3/110, the opposition party outlined stringent protocols that will govern the conduct of delegates, aspirants, election officials, and supporters during the highly anticipated polls.
The move comes amid heightened interest in the regional contests, which are widely regarded as a crucial step in consolidating the party’s structures and strengthening its grassroots machinery ahead of future electoral battles.
No Proxy Voting, Delegates Must Appear in Person
At the heart of the new directives is a firm prohibition on proxy voting, a measure the party believes will protect the sanctity of the ballot and eliminate any possibility of unauthorized participation in the electoral process.
The NDC emphasized that every eligible delegate must personally appear at the designated voting centre to cast a ballot, leaving no room for representation by proxy under any circumstance.
Party insiders say the decision reflects the leadership’s desire to ensure that the outcome of the elections genuinely reflects the will of accredited delegates rather than arrangements made outside the polling grounds.
Tough Verification Measures Introduced
The party has also tightened delegate validation procedures, requiring all voters to verify their identity before receiving a ballot paper.
According to the guidelines, delegates must present a valid NDC Party Identification Card, an officially recognized accreditation document, or an embossed photograph that corresponds with the approved voters’ register.
The enhanced verification measures are expected to strengthen confidence in the process while minimizing disputes over delegate eligibility.
Polling Time Strictly Defined
To promote orderliness and consistency nationwide, the NDC has established a clear voting timetable.
Polling stations will officially open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. However, delegates who are already in the queue before the official closing time will be permitted to cast their ballots, ensuring that no eligible voter is unfairly disenfranchised because of delays.
Police Given Exclusive Control of Election Security
In perhaps one of the most significant aspects of the guidelines, the party has vested sole responsibility for election security in the Ghana Police Service.
Under the directive, personal security personnel attached to government officials, political figures, aspirants, or any other individuals will not be permitted within designated voting centres.
The decision is widely viewed as an attempt to reduce tension, eliminate perceptions of intimidation, and create a level playing field for all contestants and delegates.
Political observers note that the restriction underscores the party’s commitment to ensuring that the elections are conducted in an atmosphere free from undue influence and unnecessary displays of power.
Fifi Kwetey Calls for Discipline and Unity
The statement, signed by NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, urged all participants to approach the elections with maturity, respect, and a collective commitment to preserving the unity of the party.
He called on aspirants, their supporters, delegates, and election officials to comply fully with the established rules and to prioritize the broader interests of the party above individual ambitions.
The leadership further stressed that the success of the elections will depend not only on the strength of the regulations but also on the willingness of stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the process.
A Critical Test of Internal Democracy
With competition expected to be intense in several regions, the upcoming elections are shaping up to be more than just an internal exercise. They will serve as a critical test of the NDC’s commitment to democratic principles, organizational discipline, and institutional credibility.
As delegates prepare to head to the polls, party leaders will be hoping that the strict measures now in place will deliver an election remembered not for controversy, but for transparency, fairness, and unity.
For the NDC, the message is unmistakable: the path to victory begins with order at home.
