The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has extended its warmest felicitations to “the largest opposition party”, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as it goes to the polls Saturday to elect a flag-bearer to lead the party in the 2012 elections. The NDC however says while it prays for a peaceful conduct of the elections, it will want to assure the NPP that irrespective of who is elected as flag-bearer, the NDC “is unperturbed because the NPP will continue in opposition as we will defeat them in a most humbling manner in the 2012 polls.” The NDC said in a statement signed by James Asante, Director of Communications, that it is its earnest expectation and prayer “that the process will be peaceful, devoid of violence and electoral fraud as was characteristic of their last presidential primaries. “We hope that this time round they will fulfill their constitutional requirement by ensuring that whoever emerges garners the constitutionally mandated votes to lead them.” The NDC urged the NPP to demonstrate their ability to maintain internal party cohesion required to promote multi-party rule in every democratic dispensation. “We encourage the NPP to ensure that the election is in accordance with the rules and regulation of their party. “The election should be contested on the terrain of tolerance and freedom so that whoever emerges winner would be seen as a credible choice to underscore the essence of a viable opposition needed in the 2012 elections.” While pledging to adhere to the rules of decent the NDC also advised the NPP to emerge from the flag-bearer selection contest with a sincere attitude to adhere to the rules of fair and healthy democratic competition, cautioning that “should the NPP get dirty and acrimonious after their selection of a flag-bearer”, it will match them boot for boot. “We hope they do not come out of this exercise more fractious than they currently are since a weak opposition does not serve the interest of Ghana and the NDC.” Story by Myjoyonline.com/Ghana