The People’s National Party (PNP) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to disregard the petition from the People’s National Convention (PNC) that seeks to prevent PNP’s registration as a political party in Ghana. The PNC claims that the similarities between the two parties in terms of roots, symbols, and ideologies could confuse voters.
On July 16, 2024, the leadership of PNC, through their legal representatives, submitted a petition to the EC to halt the registration of PNP. The PNC argues that the electorate might mistake the two parties for one another due to their similarities.
However, the PNP, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Chairperson, and Communications Secretary, responded on July 18, 2024. The PNP insists there is no legal basis for PNC’s claims. They argue that no law in Ghana’s Fourth Republic prohibits a political party from using a name that existed in the Third Republic.
PNP’s Historical and Legal Arguments
The PNP highlighted that the PNC itself emerged from the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and therefore lacks grounds to question the PNP’s legitimacy. The PNP’s statement elaborates that if PNC’s logic were applied consistently, the CPP could have prevented PNC’s existence.
“There is no law banning a political party under this Fourth Republic from using a name that existed in the Third Republic,” the PNP stated. “If that were the case, the CPP would still be using the name People’s Convention Party.”
The PNP urged the public and the EC to disregard what they termed an “ill-informed petition.” They criticized PNC’s David Apasera for allegedly lacking a proper understanding of political ideologies. The PNP noted that if Apasera were better informed, he would recognize that various parties with overlapping ideologies coexist, such as the CPP, National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Ghana Union Movement (GUM), all promoting social democracy.
PNP’s Unique Identity and Future Plans
The PNP clarified that it is not a social democratic party but identifies as a communitarian party. Their focus is on strengthening families and communities for the nation’s benefit. The PNP’s symbol is a black palm tree on the southern chieftaincy stool, with the northern chieftaincy skin in the background. Their slogan is “My Family, My Community, My Motherland,” and their colors are black and wine.
“We urge the public and the Electoral Commission to disregard this petition. Mr. David Apasera appears to lack a proper understanding of political ideologies,” the PNP reiterated. “We have nothing in common with PNC and see no basis for their attempt to stop our registration.”
The PNP’s full statement emphasized their distinct ideological stance and symbol, aiming to clear any potential confusion among the electorate and the EC.
Source: Graphic Online
