A notice of poll issued by the Central Tongu Constituency of the National Democratic Congress [NDC] has been faulted for violating the party’s own election guidelines, raising fresh concerns about the credibility of the upcoming branch executive elections.
The notice, signed and dated 24th June, 2026 , states that elections for branch executives in the constituency will be held from Sunday, 28th June to Wednesday, 1st July, 2026.
The NDC’s approved 2026 Branch Election Guidelines are explicit: a Notice of Poll must be announced 10 days before the election to allow delegates and aspirants adequate time to prepare.
However, the Central Tongu notice gives only 4 days’ notice to the first day of polling on 28th June, and 7 days’ notice to the final day on 1st July. This falls 6 days short of the required minimum for the start date.
Party sources say the short timeline makes it practically impossible for aspirants to verify the certified branch register, file objections, mobilize card bearing members or make other preparations that the 10-day window is designed to protect.
Ironically, the notice claims to be issued “In accordance with… the National Secretariat’s Election Timelines dated 10th June 2026.” Critics argue that by violating the 10-day notice period, the letter contradicts the very timeline it seeks to rely on.
Legal and party insiders warn that proceeding with the elections under the current notice could have serious consequences.
Aggrieved aspirants or delegates have grounds to petition the Constituency, Regional, or National Elections Committee on procedural irregularity. If upheld, the elections could be declared void and re-run.
The move risks undermining public confidence in the process, with accusations of “fast-tracking” to disenfranchise potential candidates.
It also sets a poor precedent for internal democracy, especially when the party is emphasizing “peaceful, orderly, and credible elections” in the same notice.
