CPP reiterates neutrality; recommend dismissal of recalcitrant members

Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Thursday reiterated its neutrality with respect to support of the two candidates in the December 28 presidential run-off, and asked members to ignore those who go against the Party's decision. A statement signed by Mr Ladi Nylander, CPP Chairman, said it had come to the notice of the leadership that one Henry Kweku Bortsie from the Effutu Constituency in the Central Region and Basharu Dabali from the Northern Region had made declarations in contravention of the Central Committee's position.

"Party members should ignore Messrs Bortsie and Dabali, both of whom are recommended for immediate dismissal from the party," the statement said.

The Central Committee of the CPP on Saturday decided that the Party would remain neutral and not support any of the political parties contesting the December 28 run-off. The Central Committee mandated the party's leadership to continue "to explore the party's options", it said in a statement after their meeting last Saturday.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been lobbying minority parties for their endorsement in the run-up to the December 28 run-off.

SO far, the CPP and People's National Convention (PNC) have chosen to remain neutral, but various individuals and groups are declaring support for either of the two candidate. The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has opted for the NPP while the Reformed Patriotic Democrats have swung to the side of the NDC.