CPP nullifies re-election of Freddie Blay

Accra, Aug. 29, GNA - The Central Committee of the Convention People's Party (CPP) on Friday nullified the re-election of Mr. Freddie Blay as aspiring parliamentary candidate of the party for the December polls.

In statement signed by Mr. Ivan Kobina Greenstreet, CPP General Secretary, to the Ghana News Agency after about five hours of deliberation of the Central Committee, the CPP said, in accordance with Article 48 of the party's Constitution, the Ellembele Constituency primary is nullified.

Mr Blay was re-elected at the weekend for the fourth time running at a constituency delegates' meeting at Essiama where he polled 75 of the 79 votes to win the right to represent CPP in December's parliamentary election.

The Central Committee advised the regional and constituency executives to adhere to the directive. The committee would institute the necessary mechanism for the holding of legitimate primaries in the constituency.

According to the CPP, Mr Blay, on three different occasions failed to appear before the party's Disciplinary Committee to explain his presence and pronouncements at a New Patriotic Party (NPP) rally on April 30 contrary to the party's position.

Article 77 of CPP's constitution states that a member of the party shall be guilty of a breach of the party's disciplinary code if he or she acted as a candidate or supported such a candidate in opposition to the official party candidate at a presidential or parliamentary election.

The Article also states that the member would also be guilty if he/she did any act of commission or omission which is prejudicial to the good standing of the party or tends to bring the CPP into disrepute. The CPP said it gave Mr Blay the last opportunity to appear on Thursday August 28, which he again failed to attend, hence the decision to nullify his re-election, which was in contravention of directive to the constituency to suspend the holding of a primary until the final determination of the allegation.

The disciplinary committee said after analysis of a report submitted to it by the Central Committee of the party on the conduct of Mr. Blay at the NPP rally held at Aiyinase in the Ellembelle Constituency on April 30, this year, it found it expedient to question the MP's conduct.