Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central, Hon. Rashid Pelpuo, believes the shocking defeat of some 15 incumbent MPs in the just ended NDC parliamentary primaries is a clear indication that the delegates/electorates desire change.
According to him, it is safe to deduce from the outcome of Saturday's primaries that the delegates felt if the party fielded the same candidates, the electoral fortunes of the NDC will dwindle in 2012, hence their decision to vote against the sitting MPs.
Stunning defeats, lost ambitions, surprises, acclamations and come backs characterized the nationwide NDC parliamentary primaries held at the weekend.
The sitting MPs who lost the primaries include, George Kuntu Blankson, MP for Mfantseman East and Dep Majority Chief Whip; Capt George Mfodwo (rtd), MP for Ho Central; Elizabeth Amoah Tetteh, Twifo-Atti-Mokwa MP and Dep Education Minister; Alhaji Imoro Yakubu, Kumbungu MP; Charles Hodogbey, MP for North Tongu and Richard Larsey Agbenyefia, Keta.
The rest are Michael Teye Nyaunu, MP for Lower Mnaya Krobo; Timothy Awoturim Ataboadey, MP for Builsa North; Raymond Tawiah, Yilo Krobo MP; Stephen Amoanor Kwao, Minister of State and MP for Upper Manya; Hajia Rafatu Alhassan Dubie Halutie, Sissala East MP and Minister of State at the Presidency; Raphael Kofi Ahaliga, Afram Plains South MP; Simon Atingban, Pusiga MP; Alhaji Iddrisu Alidu Zakaria, Walewale MP and Alhaji Iddrisu Dawuda, MP for Karaga.
Speaking in an interview on Radio Gold�s Newspaper Review, Hon. Pelpuo said however unfortunate though it was for these incumbent MPs to lose their seats, the outcome shows the beauty of democracy.
��if the people think you will not help (the party) in the 2012 election, they�ve every right to kick you out; that is democracy�They have spoken and nobody can say anything about that�we want the good of our party but I feel sorry for all those who have lost their seats,� he said.
The Deputy Majority Leader refuted claims that he greased the palm of delegates in order to be retained saying �I only told them to go and vote for me and afterwards i will take care of them".
Asked why he gave the delegates such a promise since it could have unduly influenced their decision to vote for him again, the Wa Central MP said it shows they still repose their confidence in him, adding that there is the need for him to reciprocate the good done him by the delegates.
�I was surprised they accepted what I said and voted for me and it is logical that at the end of the day you say thank you�it was necessary to do that. If you show love to me, I have to reciprocate�it also tells me that the people still have confidence in me�for the delegates to vote for you without the evidence of you giving them money is good. It shows how far we have come with our democracy�� he added.
Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com
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