BY Daniel Bampoe
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is laying the groundwork for significant structural and constitutional changes within its internal democratic architecture, with a landmark shift towards a One-Member-One-Vote (OMOV) electoral system expected to be fully operational by 2028.
This pivotal decision emerged from the party’s National Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
Background: A Long Road to Reform
The reforms are the culmination of extensive internal reviews and consultations.
Following the 2024 general elections, the NPP constituted a nine-member Constitutional Amendment Committee tasked with revising the party’s constitution.
The committee, chaired by prominent party figures, was mandated to consider recommendations from two earlier efforts: the 2024 Election Review Committee led by former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye, and the 2021 Constitutional Review Committee.
Over 300 amendment proposals were submitted to the committee, prompting broad consultations with various stakeholders, including former Presidents, flagbearer aspirants, and grassroots members.
The recommendations adopted at the National Council meeting are set to shape the future of the party’s internal governance.
Towards One-Member-One-Vote (OMOV)
At the heart of the reforms is a plan to transition the party’s delegate-based internal electoral system to a more inclusive One-Member-One-Vote structure by 2028.
While the committee acknowledged the current impracticality of implementing OMOV, it laid out a roadmap for its realization in the next electoral cycle.
The shift is intended to deepen grassroots participation and democratize candidate selection processes within the party.
Delegate System Overhaul and Expanded Participation
A series of changes were recommended to reform the delegate system at various levels of the party:
Polling Station Level: Executive positions are being expanded from five to seven, with the introduction of Communications and Electoral Affairs Officers.
Electoral Areas: The party will align its administrative units with the Electoral Commission’s demarcations and establish five-member Electoral Area Executive Committees.
Constituency and Regional Levels: The roles of Research and Elections Officers will be separated.
Additionally, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will have designated coordinators, and legal officers will be appointed at the regional level.
In a significant inclusivity move, former Members of Parliament (MPs), Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), as well as former party executives at the constituency and regional levels, will now be granted voting rights during both presidential and parliamentary primaries.
However, not all former public office holders will be automatically included. Former ambassadors, CEOs, and other appointees will only gain voting rights if appointed as patrons, a category for which the party is considering expanding membership.
Presidential Primaries and Electoral College Reforms
In response to widespread calls for greater transparency and representation, the NPP has also proposed substantial changes to its presidential primary processes.
Chief among them is the abolition of the Super Delegates Conference, a move widely supported by stakeholders who view the system as restrictive and outdated.
The party aims to hold its next presidential primaries no later than January 31, 2026.
The newly proposed expanded electoral college will include former MPs, MMDCEs, former executives, National Council members, and TESCON (Tertiary Students Confederacy) representatives.
Modernizing Party Structures
The reforms further recommend the creation of several new standing committees and directorates, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and policy coordination. Proposed new committees include:
Electoral Affairs
Communications
Political Strategy
Security & Intelligence
Meanwhile, new directorates will focus on areas such as Policy, Training, a revamped Patriotic Institute, PWD Affairs, Engagement with Professional Bodies, and Diplomatic Outreach.
Clarity, Cost-Saving, and Youth Inclusion
To promote accountability and role clarity, a new Manual for Party Officers will be developed to detail the responsibilities of each officer, instead of codifying them in the constitution.
Financial prudence also featured in the proposals, with a recommendation to shift the party’s annual Delegates Conference to a biennial event to reduce costs.
The youth front of the party is also set for rejuvenation.
The age limit for youth-related positions will be reduced from 39 to 35, aligning with national and international norms.
Moreover, all youth and female delegates will now be allowed to vote in the selection of Youth and Women Organizers to broaden inclusivity.
Disciplinary Measures and Leadership Definition
In a move to prevent abuse of disciplinary powers, the authority to suspend members will be transferred from Executive Committees to the party’s Disciplinary Committee.
This adjustment is seen as a safeguard against arbitrary decisions.
Additionally, to address recurring confusion, the constitution will be amended to explicitly state that the National Chairman is the Party Leader—a clarification aimed at strengthening leadership legitimacy and chain of command.
