How NDC Used Jj For Elections

ALARM BLOWS

This paper has obtained a copy of a document on National Democratic Congress' (NDC) campaign strategy for previous elections. The document, titled PROGRAMME OUTLINE FOR PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, provides detailed information on the role played by then flagbearer Prof. Mills, National Executive Committee (NEC) members, the running mate and the man they described as the ' Founding Father'.

Some interesting information includes the strategy and approach by the NEC who proposed that "whilst the 1st round of the flagbearer's tour is going on, a selected team of NEC members led by the National Chairman will also be touring selected regions."

According to them, "this double-pronged approach will keep the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government completely disorganized and make it difficult for it to counter our moves."

With regard to ex-President Rawlings, the NDC document states that "there is no doubt that the former President J. J. Rawlings still has a large following in Ghana and he wields considerable influence over many people in the country. He can therefore shore up support for the NDC but this must be done in such a way that is very productive."

The party then instructed that ex-President Rawlings should not be put on the same platform as the flagbearer.

In an interesting twist, the NDC recommanded that the rather abrasive military man "should conduct his rounds without much fanfare and press coverage. He can meet chiefs, religious leaders and opinion leaders and talk to them without the press." Press statements and press briefings were to be issued after Jerry's visits without details.

The dire warning by the party was that "AT ALL TIMES, WHAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED IS FOR ATTENTION TO BE TURNED ON THE FORMER PRESIDENT RATHER THAN THE FLAGBEARER".

The party also pleaded with the former President and "Founding Father" that as much as possible he should avoid controversial issues while sticking to "simple and straightforward" messages.

Concluding, the party agreed that " the rounds of the former President should be targeted at regions where the party will derive maximum benefit e.g. Volta, Northern, Upper West, Upper East and Brong Ahafo regions. In this way the party will benefit tremendously from his participation."

So what will the NDC do without J.J and Nana Konadu in 2012? Time will tell. However, they are planning without giving any role to the Rawlingses. They are rather scheming to marginalize and discredit them.