The New Patriotic Party's Presidential Elections Committee has assured all flagbearer aspirants of a free and fair election devoid of violence.

The committee emphasised that with regard to the 10 presidential aspirants, it will adhere to the operational guidelines established for the party's upcoming Special Electoral College election. 

The crucial event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

The mutually agreed guidelines, endorsed by the aspirants, will serve as the regulatory framework for the conduct of the Special Electoral College election. 

The primary aim of the election is to narrow down the pool of 10 presidential aspirants to a final selection of five contenders. 

After this, the presidential primary, slated for November 4, will determine the party's flagbearer for the 2024 general election.

The Secretary to the Presidential Elections Committee, William Yamoah affirmed this commitment during an interview with the Daily Graphic. 

He highlighted the determination of the committee, under the stewardship of former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, to orchestrate an election process characterised by transparency, fairness, and impartiality. 

According to Mr Yamoah, the commitment extends not only to the Special Electoral College polls but also to the overarching national congress.

Key tenets of the party's guidelines underscore that no aspirant can designate government officials or any delegates slated to participate in the elections as representatives. 

This prohibition encompasses both the Special Electoral College and the main election. 

Government officials specified in this context include but not limited to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of state-owned enterprises, Regional Executives, and Constituency Executives.

The guidelines also incorporate provisions related to the conduct of the election itself. 

These measures include a directive that the Electoral Commission (EC) and law enforcement agencies, such as the Police, enforce strict regulations to prohibit delegates from carrying mobile phones and other photographic devices into the voting booths. 

Moreover, the EC will adopt intricate serial numbering systems for ballots to prevent any potential tracing of votes to specific voters at a later stage.

The guidelines will also prohibit influencers and "machomen" from accessing the voting centers. 

These rules are to ensure a level playing field and prevent undue external influences from affecting the election's integrity.

The committee noted that by adhering to these guidelines and fostering an environment free from external influences, the party will uphold the integrity of the election process and determine a qualified and worthy candidate to lead the NPP as flagbearer in the 2024 general election.