Constituency executives play a crucial role in the growth, development, and success of every political party. They serve as the link between the party’s grassroots supporters and its national leadership. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is no exception.
As the NDC prepares to go to the polls on Saturday, October 24, 2026, to elect its constituency executives, party members and delegates must reflect on past experiences and avoid mistakes that could undermine the unity, peace, and progress of the party. The internal elections should not become a source of division, violence, or unnecessary tension. Instead, they should provide an opportunity for the party to strengthen its grassroots structures and elect competent leaders who can effectively manage its affairs at the constituency level.
Here are some important things the NDC must not repeat in its upcoming constituency elections.
1. The NDC Must Not Allow Violence and Destruction:
The NDC must ensure that its internal elections are conducted peacefully. Delegates and party supporters must understand that the elections are an internal democratic exercise intended to elect leaders, not an opportunity to settle personal scores or engage in unnecessary confrontations.There must be no fighting, killing, intimidation, or destruction of property. Supporters must respect one another, regardless of their preferred candidates. Every candidate should understand that winning an election through violence or intimidation does not strengthen a political party. Rather, it damages the party’s reputation and creates divisions that may take years to repair. The party leadership must therefore take preventive measures to maintain law and order throughout the electoral process.
2. Delegates Must Not Elect Incompetent Constituency Executives
The responsibility of electing constituency executives should not be taken lightly. Delegates must look beyond personal relationships, financial inducements, family ties, and friendship when choosing their leaders. They must elect individuals who have the competence, integrity, commitment, and leadership qualities needed to manage the party’s activities at the constituency level. Constituency executives have important responsibilities, including mobilising party members, organising political activities, resolving internal disputes, communicating the party’s policies, and strengthening its grassroots presence. Electing individuals who lack the necessary leadership skills or commitment may weaken the party’s structures and affect its ability to achieve its political objectives. Delegates must therefore prioritise competence, loyalty to the party, experience, discipline, and the ability to unite members when making their choices.
3. The NDC Must Ensure Free, Fair, and Transparent Elections
A credible internal election is essential to building trust among party members. The NDC must ensure that the electoral process is transparent, free, and fair to all contestants. Every qualified delegate must be given the opportunity to vote without intimidation, threats, or undue influence. Electoral officials must perform their duties impartially and ensure that the established rules are followed. Allegations of irregularities must be addressed through the appropriate party procedures rather than through violence or public confrontation. When members believe that an election has been conducted fairly, they are more likely to accept the outcome and work together after the results are declared. The party must therefore protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that every candidate competes on a level playing field.
4. The Party Must Avoid Internal Divisions After the Elections
Internal elections often produce winners and losers, but the contest must not destroy the unity of the party. Candidates who lose should accept the outcome through the appropriate democratic processes, while winners must demonstrate humility and extend a hand of cooperation to their opponents. The newly elected executives must remember that they are expected to serve all party members, not only those who supported their campaigns. The NDC cannot build strong constituency structures when its members remain divided by bitterness, resentment, and personal disagreements after internal elections. Both winners and losers must recognise that their shared commitment to the party is more important than individual ambitions.
5. Every Party Member Must Prioritise Personal Safety
As delegates and party supporters prepare to participate in the elections on Saturday, October 24, 2026, their personal safety must remain a priority. Every member must avoid confrontations, provocative statements, and actions that could trigger violence. Supporters should cooperate with electoral officials and security personnel to ensure a peaceful process. No political ambition is worth a human life. The desire to support a preferred candidate must never lead anyone to risk their life or endanger the lives of others. Party members should remain vigilant, avoid dangerous situations, and report credible threats to the appropriate authorities. The NDC must also work with the relevant security agencies to ensure that delegates, candidates, electoral officials, and other participants can exercise their democratic rights in a safe environment.
In Conclusion
The NDC’s constituency elections should be an opportunity to strengthen the party, promote responsible leadership, and deepen internal democracy. The party must not repeat mistakes that lead to violence, the election of ineffective leaders, electoral irregularities, and divisions among its members. Delegates must vote wisely, candidates must campaign responsibly, and party leadership must ensure a credible electoral process.
As the party goes to the polls on October 24, 2026, let the message be clear: No fighting, no killing, no intimidation, and no destruction. Let competence, transparency, fairness, and peaceful participation guide the process.
