NPP elections chair defends ban on proxy voting in 2026 presidential primaries

The Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee, Joe Osei Owusu, has dismissed petitions seeking a reversal of the party’s ban on proxy voting for the 2026 presidential primaries, insisting the restriction is essential for a credible and dispute-free poll.

Mr. Osei Owusu said the committee had studied all appeals from party students and diaspora members but found no compelling reason to amend the guidelines.

He explained that allowing proxy voting in a fiercely contested internal election could introduce confusion and invite challenges that may undermine confidence in the process.

“We’ve read the petitions presented by sections of the party, and after listening to all that, we came to the conclusion that for the sake of conducting an election that is incident-free and credible, that provision should be maintained,” he said. “We will still not have proxy voting in the 2026 presidential primaries.”

His remarks come amid growing discontent among overseas branches and student groups who argue that the ban effectively limits participation in a major internal decision.

The earlier announcement of the restriction triggered complaints from members who insist that modern political parties must be flexible enough to accommodate supporters who cannot be physically present.

Some petitioners have pressed for a hybrid system, pointing to the NPP’s expanding international network and the need to ensure that legitimate members are not excluded from determining the party’s future direction.

They contend that proxy voting has worked in previous cycles and could be safeguarded with proper verification tools.

But the elections committee holds a different view, stressing that in-person voting assures transparency and reduces administrative complications.

According to Osei Owusu, keeping the rule intact avoids logistical risks that may arise from validating proxies across diverse locations.

He argued that a straightforward, physical ballot remains the most reliable method for an internal contest where the stakes are unusually high.

The committee has been under pressure to reconsider the matter as the primaries draw nearer, but Osei Owusu’s firm position signals that the current guidelines will stand.

He believes the clarity of a strict in-person system will ultimately strengthen trust in the final results.