Some aggrieved supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Korley Klottey in Accra have petitioned former president Jerry Rawlings to ask her daughter to step down from the constituency’s parliamentary race.
They say Zanetor Rawlings’ withdrawal from the race would preserve her dignity, that of the former president and the party.
The supporters numbering over 180 signed the petition and provided their voters’ identification card numbers in a bid to prove that they are eligible voters and true NDC members.
Dr Zanetor Rawlings won the Klottey Korle seat during the party’s November parliamentary race that was dogged by controversy.
The former President’s first daughter polled 2,403 votes as a against the incumbent Nii Armah Ashiety’s 1,348 votes.
Although Zanetor Rawlings won the race by a wide margin, there is a row in the party over her eligibility to contest the seat on the ticket of the NDC during general elections later this year.
Some party supporters claim Zanetor Rawlings is not a registered voter.
A private legal practitioner, Gary Nimako, has written to the Electoral Commission demanding details of the former President daughter’s voter registration history.
Also four NDC members have petitioned the party demanding Zanetor Rawlings’ disqualification on grounds that her name is not in voters’ register.
According to the petitioners, the former president has always championed the principles of justice, probity and accountability and hence must ensure these values are upheld even if it means his daughter would be affected.
“We believe you are a just and fair man who will look beyond family and personal interest for the integrity of the constituency, the integrity of the party and the integrity of the nation, since you have over the years touted a strong commitment to due process and accountability,” the four-page petition read in part.
The petitioners say they do not seek to attack the person of Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, neither are they attempting to undermine her involvement in politics.
“What we seek to do with this petition is to draw your attention to this blunder and seek your assistance in ensuring that the proper thins is done,” the petitioners said.
The aggrieved constituents of Korley Klottey in the Greater Accra Region say Zanetor Rawlings’ inclusion in the parliamentary race was championed by the party’s vetting committee who deliberately overlooked her ineligibility to contest.
They are convinced it would be a mockery of the NDC’s democratic tenets if Zanator Rawlings contests in the general elections.
Myjoyonline
