Freddie Blay questions feasibility of all-member voting in party primaries

Freddie Blay, former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed reservations about proposals to allow all card-bearing members of political parties to vote in presidential and parliamentary primaries, describing the move as impractical. His comments followed a Supreme Court decision that declared the delegate system unconstitutional and directed political parties to adopt a more inclusive system. The government has also supported the proposal in principle as part of ongoing constitutional review discussions.

Mr. Blay argued that decisions on internal electoral structures should be guided by practical realities and party organization. Speaking on Channel One TV, he questioned if expanding participation would address concerns over corruption and undue influence, citing previous reforms by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that broadened participation but did not eliminate allegations of vote-buying and manipulation. He warned that allowing all party members to participate could expose the process to interference from individuals who do not genuinely support the party and highlighted financial and logistical challenges, stating, "Gathering people, bringing them together, printing ballot papers, convening them to vote, it involves resources."