Suit against NDC primary: Parties agree out of court settlement

The two members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Abdallah Issah, a branch Communication Manager and James Kabu Nartey-Oman, a branch Secretary in the Bortianor/Ngleshie Amanfro Constituency of the NDC, who instituted a court action against the upcoming presidential primary on January 26, have decided to settle the matter out of court.

Lawyers for both parties made this known to the court on Monday January 14.

The court presided over by Justice Georgina Mensah Datsa ordered the two parties to file their terms of settlement in three days. Following the court action, all processes towards the primary including vetting of presidential aspirants were halted.

The two went to court to challenge the rules and guidelines set for the presidential primary.

In their statement of claim, the two had issues with the filing fees before it was reviewed.

They were also unhappy about the fact that a particular rule which states that one has to be a member of the party for ten years before contesting for the presidential primary had been breached.

The applicants were also seeking a declaration that the introduction of specific eligibility criteria as conditions for presidential candidates were at odds with the letter and spirit of the NDC Constitution.

They also want the court to declare that the procedure adopted by the NDC via the National Executive Committee (NEC), in the preparation and presentation of the guidelines, together with the amendments without prior consultation of the National Council of Elders, were unlawful.

A further order directing the NDC to conduct its 2019 flagbearer election in a free, fair, transparent and inclusive manner in accordance with the NDC constitution was also sought.