The Central Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed all prospective parliamentary aspirants in the region to refrain from participating in activities that could influence the ongoing Branch Executive Elections.

In a statement issued on July 9, the Regional Secretariat said it had observed with concern the increasing involvement of some individuals intending to contest future parliamentary primaries in the branch elections.

According to the Secretariat, the Branch Executive Elections are intended solely to elect branch executives to manage the affairs of the party at the grassroots level and should not be used to promote parliamentary ambitions or personal political interests.

It therefore directed all prospective parliamentary aspirants to immediately cease any activity that directly or indirectly seeks to influence or interfere with the outcome of the elections.

The statement prohibited aspirants from sponsoring or financing branch election activities for political advantage, campaigning for future parliamentary bids during the election period, or offering money, gifts, donations, transport, food, drinks, promises or other inducements to delegates, branch executives or party members.

It also barred the use of agents or intermediaries to influence the electoral process and warned against any conduct that could undermine the neutrality, transparency, credibility, fairness or peaceful conduct of the elections.

The Regional Secretariat reminded party members that the NDC Constitution provides established procedures and timelines for the election of parliamentary candidates.

It said the opening of nominations, vetting, campaigning and the conduct of parliamentary primaries would only take place after official authorisation and announcement by the appropriate organs of the party.

According to the statement, no individual is authorised to begin any form of parliamentary campaign or related political activity until such an announcement is made.

The Secretariat further warned that any prospective parliamentary aspirant found to have breached the directive or engaged in conduct that compromises the integrity of the Branch Executive Elections would be reported to the appropriate party organs for disciplinary action in accordance with the NDC Constitution.

It noted that any sanctions imposed would be aimed at preserving discipline, fairness, unity and the integrity of the party's internal democratic processes.

The Central Regional Secretariat also called on party members to support the conduct of peaceful, transparent, credible and fair Branch Executive Elections across the region.

The statement was signed by the Central Regional Secretary, Gabriel Nii Kommey Adams.