Newly elected officers of the opposition New Patriotic Party are considering electing the party's flag bearer for 2012 early. General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie popularly known as 'Sir John' in an interview with Joy News said that will be part of the agenda when the new team formally meets for the first time on Tuesday. According to him, some of the executives in an informal interaction pushed for an early election, adding, that will "end the rancor and bitterness in the party." By the party's constitution the flag bearer can only be elected 24 months prior to a major election when the party is in opposition and 12 months when the party is in power. With the perception of factionalism deepening in the party, Sir John believes August or September this year will be the appropriate time to elect a new flag bearer and unite the rank and file of the party. But the outgoing chairman of the party Mr Peter Mac Manu said the question of early elections is being over played. He said the constitution spells out in no ambiguous terms when elections should be held to elect the party’s flag bearer. He finds it a bit premature for people to be calling for early election. Meanwhile, the outgoing chairman on Monday said he is yet to receive a petition from two losing candidates, Stephen Ntim and Dr Wereko-Brobby, who vied for the chairmanship slot in the party’s national conference. Mr. Stephen Ntim alleged in an interview with Super Morning Show Host, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah that certain irregularities denied him victory at the polls. He would however not discuss the details of the irregularities on the air. Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby also alleged that the delegates were induced financially into making the decision they made. Mr Manu said they will immediately investigate the allegations if and when a petition is received. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana