Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has expressed reservations about proposals to allow all card-bearing members of political parties to vote in presidential and parliamentary primaries, describing the move as impractical.

His comments follow a Supreme Court decision that declared the delegate system unconstitutional and directed political parties to adopt a more inclusive system that allows all eligible members to participate in the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates.

The proposal has also received support from the government in principle as part of ongoing constitutional review discussions.

However, Mr Blay argued that while political parties must promote democratic values, decisions on their internal electoral structures should be guided by practical realities and a proper understanding of party organisation.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV, he questioned whether expanding participation to all registered party members would address concerns over corruption and undue influence in internal elections.

He cited previous reforms by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he said broadened participation but did not completely eliminate allegations of vote-buying and manipulation.

Mr Blay further warned that allowing all party members to participate in primaries could expose the process to interference from individuals who do not genuinely support the party.

He also highlighted the financial and logistical challenges involved in organising nationwide internal elections involving thousands of party members.

“Gathering people, bringing them together, printing ballot papers, convening them to vote, it involves resources,” he said.

He added that expanding the system would not necessarily prevent corruption or what he described as undue influence during party elections.

Mr Blay maintained that reforms aimed at strengthening internal party democracy are necessary, but insisted that any changes must consider the practical challenges political parties face in managing large-scale electoral processes.

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