The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared as null and void, the election of Mr. Moses Armah as the parliamentary candidate for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Constituency in the Western Region.
The decision was taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party after investigations into the candidature of all the MP aspirants across the country.
According to the NEC, the investigations revealed that Mr. Armah failed to disclose that he had not undertaken his national service - a key requirement for anyone going into public service.
A statement issued and signed by the General Secretary of the party said Mr. Armah “failed to disclose this status to the National Executive Committee at the time of filing his nomination to contest the primaries.”
It said: “The Constituency Executive Committee has been directed to hold an emergency constituency primaries under the supervision of the Regional Executive Committee to conduct fresh elections by the close of Wednesday, October 17, 2012 to elect a new parliamentary candidate.”
The party has therefore directed the Regional Minister to provide the needed security in the constituency and sanctions proffered against anyone who prevents a rerun of the primaries.
The party said: “Mr. Moses Armah is advised to fully cooperate in this endeavour and to take immediate steps to comply with the National Service scheme Act to avoid any prosecution under the law.”
In an interview with Election Strongroom on Radio XYZ 93.1 FM, Mr. Asiedu Nketia said the decision to disqualify Mr. Armah is to forestall the recurrence of situations where sitting MPs have lost their seats because of legitimacy have been challenged.
He cited cases of the former New Patriotic Party MPs, Amoateng and Adamu Sakande who were imprisoned for drug offenses and fraudulent documentation respectively.
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