The People’s National Party (PNP) has kicked against a petition submitted to the Electoral Commission (EC) by the People’s National Convention (PNC) and its leader, David Apasera, seeking to halt the PNP’s final registration.
The petition, which alleges similarities in symbols and ideologies between the two parties, has been dismissed by the PNP as “ill-informed.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, 18 July 2024, the PNP, urged the public and the EC to disregard the petition.
“Mr. David Apasera appears to lack a proper understanding of political ideologies,” the statement indicated.
According to the PNP, “If he [Mr. Apasera] were to be informed, he would have known that parties such as the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) would not be existing, since all of which promote social democracy.”
The PNP emphasised its distinct ideological stance, distinguishing itself from the PNC.
“The PNP is not a social democratic party. We identify as communitarians, focusing on strengthening our families and communities to benefit our nation as a whole,” the party clarified.
It also highlighted its unique symbol and stating: “Our symbol is a black palm tree on the southern chieftaincy stool, with the northern chieftaincy skin in the background. Our slogan is ‘My family, my community, my motherland,’ and our colours are black and wine.”
Addressing the historical context, the PNP pointed out that the PNC, being a progeny of the CPP, has no grounds to question the legitimacy of the PNP.
“Historically, the PNC has been a progeny of the CPP and therefore has no grounds to question the legitimacy of the PNP. Following his logic, the CPP should have also prevented the PNC from existing,” the statement argued.
It further emphasised that no law under the fourth republic bans a political party from using a name that existed in the third republic.
As the PNP prepares for its national congress on August 10, 2024, the party called for the support and prayers of all Ghanaians.
“We ask for the support and prayers of all Ghanaians,” the statement added.
The PNC had raised objection to the issuance of a final registration certificate to the People’s National Party (PNP) by the EC.
The PNC through its solicitors called on the EC to withhold the final registration certificate for the newly established PNP.
In a letter submitted to the EC on Tuesday, 16 July 2024, PNC solicitors raised concerns about the potential for voter confusion due to the similarities in the names and symbols of the two parties.
According to the PNC, “The formation of the PNP stems from the credo of the PNC.”
Also, “the name PNP, being the predecessor party that gave rise to the PNC, is very similar to the PNC,” the letter indicated.
It further indicated: “This similarity could lead to confusion among voters.”
The PNC highlighted the emblem chosen by the PNP as another source of potential confusion.
“The use of the palm nut tree as an emblem for the newly formed party PNP will further confuse the electorate, leaving them to believe that the PNC and PNP are one and the same,” the letter continued.
The PNC further pointed out that the executives of the new PNP are former executives of the PNC, which could exacerbate voter confusion.
“Since the executives of the PNP are former executives of the PNC, together with the history between the erstwhile PNP and PNC earlier canvassed, it will leave no doubt in the minds of the electorate that the new PNP and PNC are one and the same.”
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