The Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Elders Association, Kofi Mintah has appealed to the leaders of the party to create a conducive atmosphere for an effective pre-election membership campaign at the constituency, district and regional levels. Speaking to newsmen at Winneba, Mr. Mintah, who is also a Founding Member of the Party, said the early selection of the party's flag-bearer for the 2008 general elections was a signal for the beginning of a vigorous grassroots campaign “right from now”. Followers of the party, particularly constituency, branch and other officers, must initiate plans to win more eligible voters before the actual electioneering campaign next year. He said that with the growth of democracy in the country political parties must equally accelerate their operations and get prepared in advance for the next general elections to win convincingly. Mr. Mintah advised members of the NDC, irrespective of their social standing, to develop “the biggest heart to contain all ‘spirit-damping’ comments about the party from opponents”. He noted that democracy thrived on the acceptance of divergent views and called on the three other contestants for the flag-bearer ship position and their followers both inside and outside the country to rally firmly behind Professor Evans Atta Mills, who won the position to ensure a united, stronger and vibrant party to win the 2008 general elections. Source: GNA