By: Apiah-Kubi | ignewss — Western North Region, Ghana
Former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Suaman in the Western North Region, Hon. Philip Kwabena Boahen, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to end the delegates system used by political parties in selecting presidential and parliamentary candidates.
Hon. Boahen, who is contesting the position of Western North Regional Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), said the decision would give party members at the grassroots a greater role in determining their leaders and candidates.
Speaking on the “Omanba Pa” programme on Winners FM with Odehyieba, in an interview monitored by Apiah-Kubi, he said he fully supported the reforms and believed they would broaden participation in internal party elections.
“This is a good decision,” Hon. Boahen said, arguing that opening the electoral process to a wider section of party members could strengthen internal democracy without necessarily increasing the cost of elections.
He said the reforms could also contribute to reducing tensions and violence associated with internal party contests by making the selection process more inclusive.
Hon. Boahen further proposed that the state should consider supporting the electoral component of internal party elections, particularly through the Electoral Commission, to reduce the financial burden on political parties.
He suggested that party members in good standing could continue paying their dues to support party activities, while public resources could be considered for the administration of the electoral process.
The former DCE also argued that a broader electoral base could help reduce the influence of money in internal party elections, including the practice of vote buying.
Support for five-year presidential term
On proposals emerging from the constitutional review process, Hon. Boahen expressed support for extending Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years.
He argued that the additional year would provide governments with more time to implement policies and programmes without the disruptions associated with transitions and election preparations.
According to him, the first year of a new administration is often taken up by transition activities, appointments and the establishment of government structures, while the final year is dominated by preparations for the next general election.
He therefore believes that a five-year mandate would provide a more practical period for governments to execute their development programmes and assess their performance.
“Under the current four-year term, the first year of every administration is consumed by transition matters, and the final year is largely consumed by elections.”
Hon. Boahen also welcomed the proposal to reduce the minimum age for presidential candidates to 35 years, describing it as an opportunity to encourage greater participation by younger people in national leadership.
He said lowering the age threshold could help identify, develop and prepare a new generation of leaders for the country’s future.
He maintained that constitutional reforms should seek to deepen democratic participation, improve governance and create opportunities for both experienced and younger citizens to contribute to national development.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com