The National Democratic Congress (NDC) today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, opens nominations for its constituency executive elections as the party begins a major reorganisation of its grassroots structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The nomination exercise, which forms part of a broader restructuring programme from the branch level to the national leadership, is expected to trigger intense competition for key constituency positions as the party seeks to renew mandates, introduce new leadership and strengthen its electoral machinery.
The NDC has scheduled the constituency executive elections for October 24 and 25, 2026, with regional elections to follow on November 14 and 15 before the process culminates in National Congress on December 19.
The party has described the reorganisation as a strategic exercise to strengthen its structures from the grassroots, deepen internal democracy, consolidate unity and position the party for future governance.
Youth leadership structure in focus
One of the issues likely to attract attention during the constituency elections is the future of the “Other Youth” position.
The NDC has clarified that the existing arrangement for the “Other Youth” category will remain in force for the current elections following a decision by its National Executive Committee (NEC).
However, Congress could subsequently ratify the NEC’s decision to redesignate the position as a second Deputy Constituency Youth Organiser.
If approved, the change would give constituency level youth structures two Deputy Youth Organisers, with the officer elected under the “Other Youth” category becoming entitled to the rights and privileges attached to the position.
The clarification means that aspirants and delegates will operate under the existing structure during the current electoral process, while the proposed expansion of the youth leadership structure remains subject to Congress approval.
The issue could nevertheless become significant in constituencies where youth mobilisation is central to the party’s electoral strategy.
Building the 2028 machinery
The constituency elections are particularly important because constituency executives form a critical link between the party’s national leadership and its grassroots membership.
The exercise follows the completion of the party’s branch-level reorganisation, which included updating membership registers, registering new members and authenticating records before branch executives were elected and validated.
The NDC has therefore presented the 2026 reorganisation as more than a routine internal election.
General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey previously described the four-yearly reorganisation as a deliberate and consequential exercise intended to strengthen the party and ensure that it has the structures required to provide strong government.
With the 2028 general elections less than two years away, the new constituency executives will be expected to translate the reorganisation into stronger membership mobilisation, grassroots engagement, voter contact and campaign coordination.
The importance of the exercise is also reflected in the party’s efforts to tighten the conduct of its internal elections.
The NDC has introduced measures aimed at improving transparency and preventing abuses, including requirements for branch meetings and election venues to be publicly announced and published. The party has also warned against practices it says could undermine the credibility of the internal process.
Nominations open
Nominations open at 7 a.m. today and will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 17.
Aspirants are required to apply online through the party’s designated platform, with filing scheduled for September 23 and 24. Vetting will take place from September 25 to 27, followed by appeals from September 29 to October 1.
The party has urged members seeking constituency executive positions to participate within the prescribed timelines and called on its structures and members to ensure that the process is transparent, orderly and credible.
For the NDC, however, the bigger test will come after the elections.
The party will have to turn the newly constituted constituency structures into an effective grassroots machine capable of defending its electoral gains, expanding its support base and delivering the organisational strength required for the 2028 contest.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
