The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced a comprehensive review of its internal election guidelines following what it describes as operational challenges encountered during its ongoing registration and electoral processes.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the party’s headquarters. Acting on behalf of the National Council in line with the party’s constitution, the NEC approved the revised framework aimed at strengthening internal democracy, improving transparency, and ensuring more credible and efficient elections across all levels of the party.
According to a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the updated guidelines are intended to streamline electoral procedures and address persistent concerns arising from previous internal contests.
Under the revised arrangements, polling station elections may be suspended in situations where disputes arise, particularly where eligible members—including those registered online—are denied access to participate in voting. Such cases are to be escalated through constituency structures to the regional steering committee for resolution.
The party has also introduced a cap of 25 executive positions at each polling station. In addition, clearer provisions have been established for cluster polling stations, allowing members to contest within designated clusters, provided they reside within the relevant electoral area.
Eligibility requirements have been tightened to ensure that members contest and vote within the same polling station area in which they reside. However, exceptions apply to special polling stations, including those located in security zones, tertiary institutions, government institutions, markets, and hospitals.
At the electoral area level, committees are permitted to conduct up to 10 executive elections. Polling station executives who intend to contest at this level are required to resign from their positions before filing nominations.
For chapter-level elections, the party has formalised committee structures and introduced provisions allowing voting to take place either physically or through its official electronic voting platform. Members must have been active for at least two years to qualify as voters or candidates.
The positions to be contested at chapter level mirror those at the constituency level, including chairperson, secretary, organiser, and communications officer, among others. Newly elected executives will also be responsible for appointing officers to support key administrative functions such as research, electoral affairs, and financial management.
Branch elections will similarly be conducted either in person or via the party’s electronic voting system. Eligibility remains restricted to members who have been active for a minimum of two years.
The party has also aligned branch-level executive positions with the regional structure to ensure consistency across its organisational hierarchy. Elected branch executives will appoint additional officers to support operational and administrative responsibilities.
As part of the reforms, the NEC has established an ad hoc committee to develop a comprehensive manual outlining the roles and responsibilities of party officers at all levels.
The committee is chaired by former party chairman Peter Mac Manu and includes several members, among them legal and governance experts drawn from within the party.
The NPP has urged all members and stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the revised guidelines and ensure strict compliance. The party says the reforms are aimed at promoting unity, credibility, and inclusiveness as it strengthens its internal democratic processes.
It further called for cooperation among members, reaffirming leadership’s commitment to upholding the traditions and values of the party.
Collaboration among members, with leadership reaffirming its commitment to upholding the traditions and values of the party.
