The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been urged to choose a presidential running mate who embodies qualities that can turn the party’s political fortunes around and ensure its victory in the upcoming election.
In a statement, Change Makers Forum (CMF), a group of professionals aligned to the centre-left political orientation, underscored the need for the NDC to be strategic in selecting a running mate to partner its flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, for election 2024.
The statement signed by its lead advocate, Ivan Tsidi Akrobortu, said the 2024 general elections are considered by many political experts as a watershed moment for the party as it will not only determine its fate in Ghana’s politics but will also test its stability and survival.
“The 2024 general election is not a walk in the park as some party folks believe. When the NPP declared that they are breaking the 8, it’s not a fluke. They mean it and are determined to achieve it at all cost. Cognizance of these facts, the NDC must be very strategic in its choices,” the press statement read.
“Strategy will determine the fate of NDC in the 2024 elections,” it added.
It further advised the party to be more intentional and deliberate in its choices, saying every decision must be data and fact driven.
Unlike in previous presidential elections where the selection of a running mate did not matter that much as the focus tended to be on the flag bearer, the press release noted that the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections present a different scenario and opportunity for the party.
In the light of the above, the CMF highlighted some factors to be considered by the party in selecting its running mate. They include: he or she must be one who appeals to the confidence and trust of development partners and donor agencies, one who matches the opponents, one who has the public trust, one who has chemistry with the flag bearer, one who is media friendly, one who is disciplined and firm but a team player, among others.
