Awutu Senya East NDC Branch elections face uncertainty amid register controversy

The upcoming branch elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Awutu Senya East Constituency have been thrown into uncertainty following allegations against the Constituency Chairman, Mr. Ofosu Agyari, over the handling of the party's branch register.

Some party members have accused the constituency chairman of withholding the official branch registration book from branch executives and members ahead of the internal elections, a situation they claim is creating tension and mistrust within the constituency.

According to sources within the constituency, concerns have been raised over the transparency of the voter registration process, with allegations that the register is not being made available for verification by branch members. The sources further alleged that some members who were previously on the register have discovered that their names are missing, while questions have also been raised about the inclusion of new names.

The development has reportedly sparked dissatisfaction among several branch executives and grassroots members, who argue that access to the register is essential to ensure a credible, transparent and fair electoral process. They maintain that denying members the opportunity to verify the register undermines confidence in the elections.

Some aggrieved members have expressed fears that the ongoing situation could compromise the integrity of the branch elections and potentially influence future constituency-level elections. They are therefore calling on the party's regional and national leadership to intervene and ensure that the register is made available for inspection by all stakeholders.

“The branch register belongs to the party and not to any individual. Members have the right to verify their names and ensure the process is transparent,” a concerned party member who spoke on condition of anonymity stated. Sources indicate that repeated requests by some branch executives to access the registration book have allegedly not yielded the desired results, further deepening suspicions among sections of the constituency's membership.

The controversy is said to have heightened political tension within the constituency, with some members warning that any attempt to conduct the elections without addressing concerns surrounding the register could lead to disputes and challenges after the polls. Information gathered suggests that a group of concerned NDC members is considering legal action to halt the branch elections should the party's regional and national executives fail to intervene. The members are urging the leadership of the NDC to immediately investigate the allegations and take steps to restore confidence in the electoral process ahead of the branch elections.