NDC missing in IEA Evening Encounter

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has held ballots for three political parties ahead of the much anticipated Evening Encounters by political party flag bearers who have representatives in Parliament.

The Evening Encounter is an opportunity for the flagbearers to share details of their manifestos to the voting public.

Missing from the pack is President John Mahama and the governing National Democratic Congress.

The party threatened to boycott activities of the think tank ahead of the 2016 elections accusing the IEA of bias and failing to consult them on key issues.

A meeting was held for three political party reps Wednesday to discuss the modalities and arrangements for the Evening Encounters which is usually a prelude to the presidential debates.

Per a ballot picked during the meeting, the PNC’s flag bearer, Dr. Edward Mahama will be the first to appear in the IEA Evening Encounter program scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

The PNC flagbearer “would be followed by Mr. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, flagbearer of the CPP and Hon. Nana Akufo Addo, flagbearer of the NPP,” a statement signed by the Executive Director of the IEA Mrs. Jean Mensah said.
Ghanapoliticsonlone.com

The statement was, however, silent on the NDC and whether it will participate in other activities of the IEA.

Ahead of the 2012 elections, the NDC threatened to boycott activities of the IEA but made a u-turn at the last hour to take part in the Evening Encounter as well as the presidential debate.

It is not clear yet if the governing party will make a similar decision in the 2016 election.myjoyonline com