Kumbungu MP, Ras Mubarak has bowed to pressure from party functionaries and withdrawn his earlier support for YES campaign in the December 17, Referendum.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislator was the only Parliamentarian on his side on the aisle to support the amendment of Article 55/3 of the Constitution. 

The party’s Functional Executive Committee summoned him Tuesday afternoon to “clarify” the statement being attributed to him.

But upon prevalence from the NDC, Mr Mubarak has decided to tow the party line. 

“Upon a sober reflection and advice from very distinguished senior party members, especially the Parliamentary leadership, I have come to the conclusion that It is improper to deviate from my party’s official position for a NO vote in the upcoming referendum on Article 55(3) of the constitution,” he said in a statement.

The amendment seeks to repeal the provision of the constitution which bars political parties from local assembly and district level elections.

If approved in the referendum, it would pave way for MMDCEs to be elected on the partisan basis if Parliament completes its amendment of Article 243/1 to make the position elected instead of appointed.

The government and its party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are backing a YES campaign but the NDC says it cannot do same due to fundamental concerns.

Among other things, the party says the unsavoury nature of national politics must not be transferred to the assemblies.

Mr Mubarak said these reasons were not tenable. He pledged to back the campaign for YES and advocate for same.

It appears the Parliamentarian has been whipped in line by his party.